Questions and Answers
What is the bevel of a needle?
What is the length of a short needle?
approx. 20 mm
What should you do with a dull needle?
Change the needle after three or four insertions
What is a precaution to take to prevent needlestick exposure?
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The ______ of the needle is the plastic or metal piece that screws onto the syringe.
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Which of the following statements about needle breakage is true?
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What is the recommended gauge for areas at high risk for positive aspirations?
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How should you position the bevel of the needle for optimal patient comfort?
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Match the following components of a needle with their descriptions:
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What is an advantage of using larger-gauge needles?
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The ______ method is a safe technique to recap a needle.
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Study Notes
Anatomy of a Needle
- Composed of the bevel, shaft, hub, and cartridge-penetrating end.
Bevel
- Located at the needle's tip; sharpness minimizes patient discomfort.
- Indicators may show bevel position.
Shaft
- Metal tubular length extending from the needle tip to the hub.
- Available in various lengths and gauges.
Hub
- Connects the needle to the syringe, can be plastic or metal.
- Metal hub features prethreaded interior while plastic requires simultaneous pushing and screwing for attachment.
Cartridge-penetrating End
- Designed to penetrate the cartridge's rubber diaphragm.
Breakage of Needle
- Rare but can occur if the shaft is fully inserted to the hub; usually due to lateral pressure or sudden movements.
- Important to avoid inserting the needle to the hub.
Bevel Orientation
- Proper bevel orientation (toward the bone) enhances patient comfort and reduces risk of periosteum piercing.
- Greater bevel angle leads to increased deflection when navigating soft tissue.
Gauge
- Measures the needle lumen size; smaller gauge numbers indicate larger diameter.
- Common gauges include 25, 27, and 30; a 30 gauge needle is narrower than a 27 gauge.
Advantages of Larger-Gauge Needles
- Enhanced visibility and rigidity.
- Reduced deflection and increased accuracy of injections.
- Lower likelihood of needle breakage and easier aspiration.
Length of Needles
- Short needles are approximately 20 mm (for maxillary areas), while long needles are about 32 mm (for mandibular areas).
- Selection depends on tissue type and anesthetic delivery needs; never insert to hub.
Needle Care & Handling
- Needles are pre-sterilized and single-use; avoid reusing needles on multiple patients.
- Change needles after three to four injections to maintain sharpness.
- Always be aware of needle tip position, cover needles post-injection, and dispose of properly in sharps containers.
Recapping Devices
- Designed for safety in recapping needles after use; details need to be specified.
Scooping Method
- An alternative technique for safely capping needles; details need to be specified.
Needle Problems
- Pain during insertion often results from dull needles.
- Pain on withdrawal may stem from barbs or forceful bone contact.
Needlestick Exposure Prevention
- Immediate needle recapping is essential; maintain patient stillness during procedures.
Needle Breakage Causes
- Common causes include bending, sudden direction changes, excessive force, complete insertion to hub, or using 30-gauge needles.
Dental Hygiene Considerations
- Direct bevel toward bone and utilize 25-gauge needles in high-risk aspiration areas.
- Use longer needles for penetrating thick tissue.
- Always cap needles immediately after use using the scoop method.
- Avoid bending or inserting needles to the hub, and refrain from making sudden movements in tissue.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the components of a needle with these flashcards. Each card covers essential terms such as bevel, shaft, and hub, complete with detailed definitions. Perfect for students in medical or nursing programs.
