RDA Job Responsibilities and Duties 5

Question 1

An RDA is asked to take a patient's blood pressure before treatment. A reading of 180/110 mmHg is obtained. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Record the reading and inform the dentist immediately before starting any procedure

Answer

Proceed with treatment since the dentist will manage any complications

Answer

Retake the blood pressure in the other arm and average the two readings

Answer

Ask the patient if they feel dizzy before deciding whether to continue

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of an expanded function an RDA may perform after additional state-approved training?

Accepted Answer

Placing and finishing amalgam restorations

Answer

Diagnosing periodontal disease

Answer

Prescribing post-operative analgesics

Answer

Performing surgical extractions

Question 3

What is the purpose of a dental dam clamp when placing a rubber dam?

Accepted Answer

To anchor and stabilize the rubber dam on the anchor tooth

Answer

To punch holes in the rubber dam at the correct spacing

Answer

To stretch the rubber dam over the patient's nose

Answer

To seal the edges of the dam against the gingiva

Question 4

An RDA is completing end-of-day operatory breakdown. Which step should be performed LAST?

Accepted Answer

Remove PPE and perform hand hygiene

Answer

Disinfect all clinical contact surfaces

Answer

Place contaminated instruments in the ultrasonic cleaner

Answer

Cover clean surfaces with barriers for the next day

Question 5

Which statement best describes the concept of direct supervision in dental assisting?

Accepted Answer

The dentist is physically present in the facility and authorizes each procedure performed

Answer

The dentist is available by phone while the RDA performs procedures independently

Answer

The RDA may perform any procedure as long as another RDA is present

Answer

The dentist reviews the RDA's work at the end of the day

Question 6

During a restorative procedure, the dentist requests a matrix band and retainer for a Class II restoration. What is the primary function of the matrix band?

Accepted Answer

To temporarily replace the missing proximal wall during condensation

Answer

To isolate the tooth from saliva contamination

Answer

To hold the rubber dam in place on posterior teeth

Answer

To etch the proximal surface before bonding

Question 7

An RDA notices that a sterilization pouch fails a chemical indicator after autoclaving. What should the RDA do?

Accepted Answer

Remove the instruments from service, re-bag, and re-sterilize them

Answer

Use the instruments anyway since the autoclave cycle completed

Answer

Soak the instruments in a high-level disinfectant as an alternative

Answer

Report the failure at the next weekly staff meeting