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Dental Hygiene Local Anesthesia Study Boards Questions and Answers Latest Version Already Passed
What happens to the pH of tissue during infection, and how does it affect anesthesia?✔✔ The pH drops, making the anesthetic less effective
Which anatomical landmark helps locate the injection site for the PSA nerve block?✔✔ The maxillary tuberosity
What local anesthetic is most likely to cause methemoglobinemia?✔✔ Prilocaine
What is the function of the myelin sheath in nerve conduction?✔✔ It allows faster transmission of nerve impulses
What is the role of the nodes of Ranvier in anesthetic action?✔✔ They are the gaps where anesthetics block saltatory conduction
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Why should a hygienist aspirate twice before injecting?✔✔ To ensure the needle is not in a blood vessel
Which injection anesthetizes the entire palatal side of the maxillary arch on one side?✔✔ Greater palatine and nasopalatine nerve blocks together
What is the most likely cause of trismus following a nerve block?✔✔ Trauma to the muscles during injection
What patient symptom might indicate too much epinephrine was administered?✔✔ Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
What is the primary danger of using topical anesthetics for extended periods?✔✔ Tissue sloughing or systemic absorption
Which block numbs the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?✔✔ Lingual nerve block
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Why should you avoid injecting into inflamed or infected tissue?✔✔ Poor pH and increased blood flow reduce anesthetic effectiveness
What is a safe action if a patient is allergic to local anesthetics?✔✔ Refer for allergy testing and use alternative methods
What injection technique is used to numb the pulp of multiple maxillary posterior teeth with a single injection?✔✔ Posterior superior alveolar block
What causes the tingling or “pins and needles” feeling after local anesthesia?✔✔ Normal effect of nerve desensitization
What does a slow onset of anesthesia suggest about the anesthetic?✔✔ It may have a high pKa
Which injection is most likely to cause a hematoma?✔✔ PSA nerve block 3 / 4
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What causes temporary facial paralysis after an inferior alveolar nerve block?✔✔ Anesthetic deposited near the facial nerve
What is the primary purpose of using a long needle?✔✔ To reach deeper structures like the mandibular foramen
Why are children more sensitive to local anesthetics?✔✔ They have smaller body mass and lower tolerance
What’s the safest way to dispose of used anesthetic needles?✔✔ In a puncture-resistant sharps container
How can you recognize an allergic reaction to local anesthetic?✔✔ Hives, itching, or difficulty breathing
What causes tissue blanching during injection?✔✔ Vasoconstriction from epinephrine
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