Ch.24 Flashcards
Gagging(retching)
Strong involuntary effort to vomit
Gag Reflex (pharyngeal reflex)
Retching that is elicited by stimulation of the sensitive tissues of the soft palate region
Psychogenic stimuli
Stimuli originating in the mind
Tactile stimuli
Stimuli originating from touch
Disability
Physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of an individuals major life activities
Physical disability
Problems with vision, hearing, or mobility
Developmental disability
A substantial impairment of mental or physical functioning that occurs before the age of 22 and is of indefinite duration
What is a pediatric patient?
Child patient
Pediatric dentistry
Involved the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases in children
Endodontics
Branch of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp within the tooth
An endodontic patient
Is one who has undergone root canal therapy
Edentulous
Without teeth
Reasons that an edentulous patient requires a dental imaging examination:
- Detect presence of root rips, impacted teeth, and lesions(cyst,tumors)
- Identify objects embedded in bone
- establish the position of normal anatomic landmarks(mental foramen) relative to the crest of the alveolar ridge
What are the areas that are most likely to elicit the gag reflex when stimulated?
The soft palate and the posterior lateral third of the tongue
Before the gag reflex is initiated, the following two reactions occur:
- cessation of respiration
- contraction of the muscles in the throat and abdomen
The two precipitating factors for initiation of the gag reflex are:
Psychogenic stimuli and tactile stimuli
How to control the gag reflex with your attitude
- convey confident attitude, patience, tolerance, and understanding
- explain imaging procedures about to be performed
- compliment the patient as each exposure is completed
How to control gag reflex by patient and equipment preparation:
Complete equipment preparation before receptor placement
How to control gag reflex by exposure sequence:
ALWAYS begin with anterior exposures because they are easier for the pt. to tolerate and are less likely to elicit gag reflex
-the Maxillary molar receptor is the most likely to elicit gag reflex
How to control gag reflex from by using receptor placement and technique:
Each receptor must be placed and exposed as quickly as possible
-Avoid the palate and demonstrate receptor placement
Common physical disabilities:
- Vision Impairment
- Hearing Impairment
- Mobility Impairment
What to do if a patient is blind or visually impaired:
-communicate using clear verbal explanations
-keep pt. Informed on what is being done
-explain each step of the procedure before performing it
-inform pt. When leaving the area
NEVER gesture to another person as someone who is blind is sensitive to this type of communication and may perceive it as you talking behind his or her back
Things you can do if a pt. Has a hearing impairment:
-ask pt. how they prefer to communicate
-ask caregiver to act as an interpreter
-use gestures or sign language
-use assistive technology
-use written instructions
Do not wear face mask, face the patient and speak clearly and slowly so they can read your lips
What to do if a patient is in a wheelchair:
-ask pt. How he/she prefers to be transferred to the dental chair
-can offer to help or ask caregiver to assist
If a transfer isn’t possible, you may attempt to perform necessary imaging procedures with the pt. Seated in the wheelchair
