Dental Hygiene Theory And Practice 4th Edition By Michele Leonardi Darby – Test Bank

Chapter 11: Ergonomics
Darby & Walsh: Dental Hygiene: Theory and Practice, 4th Edition

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Sharp instruments are essential to the elimination of fatigue and stress on the clinician’s hand, wrist, arm, and shoulders, which cause repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). Dull instruments that deviate from their original design cause the clinician to apply additional force, resulting in increased lateral pressure, excess stroke repetitions, and a tightened grasp.
a. Both statements are true.
b. Both statements are false.
c. The first statement is true, and the second statement is false.
d. The first statement is false, and the second statement is true.

ANS: A
Sharp instruments minimize the amount of lateral pressure used by the clinician, the tightness of the grasp, and the number of working strokes needed. Dull instruments that deviate from their original design will ultimately promote unsound ergonomic motions by the clinician during treatment.

REF: Hand Instrument Cutting Edge Sharpness | 148

2. One environmental factor to consider to reduce the occurrence of repetitive stress injuries is the temperature of the workplace; this is because a cold room temperature is related to less-relaxed, less-flexible muscles and tendons.
a. Both the statement and the reason are correct, and they are related.
b. Both the statement and the reason are correct, but they are not related.
c. The statement is correct, but the reason is not.
d. The statement is not correct, but the reason is correct.
e. Neither the statement nor the reason is correct

ANS: A
Muscles and tendons must be warm for maximum comfort and flexibility when working, and to reduce muscle and tendon injury.

REF: Environmental Factors | 144

3. What is the foremost risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)?
a. Holding instruments too tightly
b. Repetition
c. Use of vibrating instruments
d. Cold room temperatures

ANS: B
Although all the choices are risk factors for CTS, repetition and continued motion are the leading risk factors.

REF: Risk Factors | 153

4. Which nerve is affected when carpal tunnel syndrome is evident?
a. Ulnar nerve
b. Radial nerve
c. Median nerve
d. Nerves from the brachial plexus

ANS: C
The median nerve is located in the carpal tunnel between the carpal bones of the wrist and the transverse carpal ligament. Repetitive motions and forces to the wrist cause tendon inflammation and swelling within the carpal tunnel, causing pressure on the median nerve.

REF: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | 151

5. Which is a common symptom of thoracic outlet compression?
a. Numbness and tingling in the fingertips
b. Neck and shoulder muscle spasms
c. Warm extremities
d. Prominent or enhanced radial pulse

ANS: B
Thoracic outlet compression is a repetitive stress injury resulting in compression of the brachial artery and plexus nerve trunk at the thoracic outlet. This compression occurs at the neck.

REF: Symtoms | 155

6. Which nerve is affected when Guyon’s canal syndrome is evident?
a. Ulnar nerve
b. Radial nerve
c. Median nerve
d. Nerves from the brachial plexus

ANS: A
The ulnar nerve becomes entrapped in a tunnel formed by the pisiform and hamate bones and the ligaments that connect them.

REF: Guyon’s Canal Syndrome | 156

TRUE/FALSE

1. The fulcrum finger must remain locked during instrument activation.

ANS: T
A locked fulcrum allows the clinician to pivot on and gain strength from the fulcrum finger.

REF: Fulcrum and Hand Stabalizations | 147

2. Digital motion is an acceptable hand movement during treatment instrument activation.

ANS: F
Digital motion increases hand muscle fatigue, along with causing decreased instrument power and stability.

REF: Wrist Motion During Instrument Activation | 147

SHORT ANSWER

1. Name the two symptoms of de Quervain’s syndrome.

ANS:
Symptoms include aching and weakness of the thumb along the base, and pain migrating into the forearm.

REF: De Quervain’s Syndrome | 157

2. List three chairside preventive measures to minimize the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.

ANS:
Maintain a neutral elbow position during procedures, alter instrument grasps, and avoid repetitive crossing of arms across the chest.

REF: Chairside Preventive Measures | 153

3. What causes the shoulder injury trapezius myalgia?

ANS:
Trapezius myalgia is caused by static loading in the shoulder or stabilizing muscles over a long period of time.

REF: Risk Factors | 158

4. List three chairside preventive measures to reduce the incidence of lumbar joint dysfunction.

ANS:
Avoid twisting the back and spine, properly support body weight, and modify equipment placement to avoid twisting to reach.

REF: Chairside Preventive Measures | 159