Dental Examination Chapter 13

Questions and Answers

What type of examination is primarily conducted to determine pain relief and triage?

Continuing care examination

Screening examination (correct)

Limited examination

Complete examination

Which type of examination is a complete reassessment leading to a new dental hygiene diagnosis and care plan?

Follow-up examination

Limited examination

Continuing care examination (correct)

Screening examination

Which method for examination involves the direct observation of a patient?

Palpation

Auscultation

Visual examination (correct)

Instrumentation

What is the key characteristic that distinguishes pathognomonic signs and symptoms from general signs and symptoms?

Pathognomonic signs are unique to a specific disease Signup and view all the answers

In which type of examination is a brief evaluation conducted for an acute condition or emergency situation?

Limited examination Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the preparation for an examination?

Review of health histories and medical records Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method used for physical examination?

Nutritional assessment Signup and view all the answers

What health-related risk factor is NOT assessed during an examination?

Infectious disease Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the extra-oral observations during an examination?

Labial and buccal mucosa examination Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the sequence of extra-oral examination?

Observe head and face Signup and view all the answers

In the documentation of findings, which factor is important regarding a lesion known to the patient?

When it was first noticed Signup and view all the answers

Which observation is performed during the intra-oral examination?

Assess breath odor Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the extraoral examination process according to the sequence outlined?

Palpate temporomandibular joint Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a raised lesion larger than 2 cm in width?

Tumor Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of an ulcer?

It results in a loss of continuity of epithelium. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a macule?

A circumscribed area not elevated above surrounding tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What physical characteristic differentiates a vesicle from a bulla?

A vesicle is fluid-filled and 1 cm or less in diameter, while a bulla is greater than 1 cm. Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a small, pinhead lesion up to 5 mm in diameter?

Papule Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'pseudomembrane' refer to?

A loose necrotic membrane. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic describes an erosion?

It is a shallow lesion that does not extend through the epithelium. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'erythema' refer to inoral lesions?

A red area of skin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of performing an extraoral and intraoral examination?

To detect abnormalities and pathologies that may affect health Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mucosa covers the gingiva and hard palate?

Masticatory Mucosa Signup and view all the answers

Which structural characteristic distinguishes the lining mucosa from the masticatory mucosa?

It has a non-keratinized epithelial covering Signup and view all the answers

What common systemic condition can an extraoral and intraoral examination help identify?

Diabetes mellitus Signup and view all the answers

Which type of papillae on the tongue do NOT contain taste buds?

Filiform Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the specialized mucosa found on the tongue?

To detect taste sensations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of oral mucosa?

Submucosa Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the oral cavity is primarily covered by the lining mucosa?

The underside of the tongue Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common site for oral cancer among adults?

The lateral borders of the tongue Signup and view all the answers

What is leukoplakia characteristic of?

White patches on mucosal surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is considered the 'gold standard' for oral cancer diagnosis?

Biopsy Signup and view all the answers

For how long must a lesion be persistent to be considered suspicious for malignancy?

2 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What should be done for any unusual oral lesion that cannot be identified clinically?

Perform a biopsy Signup and view all the answers

Which risk factor is essential for dental hygienists to educate their patients about in relation to oral cancer?

Tobacco use Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to document after an oral cancer assessment?

Lifestyle habits and exam frequency Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential motivational tool when a patient refuses a biopsy?

Cytologic adjuncts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Extraoral and Intraoral Examination

Systematic examination is crucial for total patient care, addressing physical, mental, and psychological health.
Regular assessments should occur at each continuing care appointment, including risk factor evaluations.

Types of Examinations

Complete: Comprehensive assessment including all components.
Screening: Brief preliminary exam often for pain relief.
Limited: Quick exam for acute situations.
Follow-up: Evaluation of healing post-treatment.
Continuing care: Complete reassessment after care completion to create new diagnoses and care plans.

Examination Methods

Visual: Direct observation, radiographic, and transillumination techniques.
Palpation: Digital, bidigital, bimanual, and bilateral methods for assessment.
Instrumentation: Use of periodontal probes and explorers.
Percussion: Tapping surfaces to evaluate response or sound.
Electrical testing: Determines presence of vital pulp tissue.
Auscultation: Listening to sounds for diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms

General signs may indicate varied diseases; pathognomonic signs are unique to specific conditions.
Signs: Objective abnormalities identified by professionals.
Symptoms: Subjective reported changes indicative of conditions.

Preparation for Examination

Review health histories and medical records, including risk factors and radiographs.
Explain procedures and their significance to the patient.

Rationale for Examinations

Early identification of abnormalities, including oral cancer.
May reveal signs of various systemic disorders such as thyroid issues, nutritional deficiencies, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Anatomical Landmarks of the Oral Cavity

Normal anatomy comprehension is essential to recognize abnormalities.
Oral mucosa consists of connective tissue covered by stratified squamous epithelium with three types.

Types of Oral Mucosa

Masticatory Mucosa: Keratinized, covers gingiva and hard palate; firmly attached.
Lining Mucosa: Non-keratinized, covers inner lips, cheeks, floor of mouth, and soft palate; loosely attached.
Specialized Mucosa: Contains papillae on the tongue, aiding in taste sensation.

Sequence of Examination

Follow a systematic order starting with extraoral observations (face, skin, eyes) to intraoral observations (mouth, tongue, palate).

Documentation of Findings

Record lesion history, including duration and previous evaluations.
Describe location and extent using terms like localized/generalized, single/multiple.
Document physical characteristics: size, shape, color, texture, consistency.

Morphologic Categories of Lesions

Elevated, depressed, and flat lesions, each with specific characteristics.
Elevated lesions may be blisterform (vesicles) or nonblisterform (nodules).

Oral Cancer Overview

Cancer in the oral cavity can start in squamous cells lining mucosal surfaces.
Common sites include lateral borders of the tongue, floor of the mouth, and lips.

Early Signs of Oral Cancer

White patches (leukoplakia), red patches (erythroplakia), ulcers, or unusual masses.

Clinical Recommendations

Conduct updated histories and examinations for adults, monitoring even non-suspicious lesions.
Biopsy suspicious lesions; perform cytologic tests when biopsies are refused.

Biopsy Protocol

Considered the definitive method for diagnosing oral cancers.
Indications include unidentified oral lesions and persistent lesions not healing after two weeks.

Role of the Dental Hygienist

Identify cancer risk factors and educate patients on tobacco cessation and HPV vaccination.
Stay updated with continuing education and evidence-based practice guidelines to improve confidence in screening and recommendations.

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Description

This quiz covers Chapter 13, focusing on extraoral and intraoral examinations. It outlines the rationale behind these examinations, the systematic sequence to follow, and the identification of normal anatomy and suspicious conditions. Enhance your understanding of comprehensive patient care through routine examinations.