DH100: Chapter 7: Patient Reception and Ergonomic Practice

Question 1

Environmental surfaces:

Answer 1

all contact areas are thoroughly disinfected or covered to control cross-contamination.

Question 2

Instruments:

Answer 2

sterile package instruments remain sealed until the start of the appointment.

Question 3

Equipment:

Answer 3

prepare and make ready other materials that will be used, such as for the determination of blood pressure and patient instruction. Anticipate specific needs for procedures being delivered.

Question 4

Patient’s Dental chair:

Answer 4

upright for current patient reception; chair arm up access.

Question 5

Clinician’s chair:

Answer 5

set a proper height for the entire day when same clinician will be there.

Question 6

Positions of the patient:

Answer 6

1. upright
2. semi- upright
3. supine
4. trendelenburg

Question 7

initial position for patient reception from which chair adjustments are made.

Answer 7

upright

Question 8

patients with certain types of cardiovascular, respiratory, or vertigo problems may need this position.

Answer 8

semi-upright

Question 9

brain is on the same level as the heart; a patient is ideally situated fro support of the circulation; rarely could a patient faint while lying in this position; position used most for treatment procedures.

Answer 9

supine

Question 10

the patient is in supine position and tipped back and down 35 deg to 45 deg so that the heart is higher than the head.

Answer 10

trendelenburg

Question 11

Use of dental chair: prepositioning for patient reception

Answer 11

1. chair t lo level; back upright

2. chair arm raised on side of approach

Question 12

Dental chair: adjustment steps

Answer 12

1. patient is seated with back upright
2. chair seat and foot portion are raised first to help the patient settle back
3. lower back to the supine position for maxillary instrumentation and to a 20 deg angle with the floor for mandibular treatment.
4. request patient to slide up to rest the head at upper edge of the headrest or backrest and turn head to left or right as needed for visibility access.
5. adjust chair until patient’s mouth is at the clinician’s elbow height with shoulder relaxed.

Question 13

Dental chair: Conclusion of appointment

Answer 13

1. move instrument tray away and turn off light
2. slowly raise back of chair and tilt chair forward
3. request patient to remain seated in upright position briefly to avoid postural hypotension

Question 14

Dental chair: Contraindications for supine position

Answer 14

1. review patient history for indications of need for adaptation
2. patient may request a position variation
3. conditions that may contraindicate the supine position include congestive heart disease, vertigo, and a breathing difficulty such as emphysema, severe asthma, or sinusitis
4. during the third trimester of pregnancy, some women may be uncomfortable.