You will be assisting the board-certified dentist who plans to do several endodontic procedures today. Which of the following would not be considered endodontic instrumentation and materials?
Correct Answer: C
Commonly used endodontic materials and instruments would include all of the following: *High-speed handpiece and burs *Barbed broaches *Restorative materials and instruments *Dental radiography (Also used for routine dental evaluations and cleanings) *Rubber stops *Endodontic rulers *Canal lubricant, irrigant, and irrigation needles *College pliers *Paper points *Zinc Oxide, eugenol *Gutta-percha points *Glass slab, mixing spatula *10:1 reduction gear contra-angle *Pluggers and spreadeers *Lentulo, paste fillers *Heating instruments Periodontal probes are used at every stage of dental work but are not specific to endodontic work. They are used to evaluate the gingival sulcus depth to assess for gingival hyperplasia, recession, or other abnormalities.
Question 292
What phase of nociception triggers the release of chemicals that excite the nociceptive nerve fibers?
Correct Answer: D
Nociceptive pain is caused by an injury, physical pressure, or inflammation of some part of the body. When nociceptors detect physical damage to the body, they create electrical signals that travel through the spinal cord to the brain. Four steps occur rapidly: 1. Transduction: Tissue injury triggers the release of chemicals that excite nociceptive nerve fibers. 2. Transmission: The "pain message" moves from the skin, bones, joints, or internal organs toward the spinal cord, and then to the brain. Once in the brain, the signal continues through the brainstem, thalamus, and cerebral cortex, to form a "map" of the pain. 3. Modulation: The brain interacts with nerves to modulate the pain experience. For example, it can adjust the intensity and duration of pain signals. 4. Perception: The subject becomes aware or conscious of the pain.
Question 293
What is hyperalgesia?
Correct Answer: D
Hyperalgesia is an increased sensitivity to pain, or decreased pain threshold. It is an exaggerated pain response to a known painful stimulus. Chronic hyperalgesia can be due to nerve damage and underlying disease. Temporary acute hyperalgesia can be due to prolonged exposure to pain, acute illness onset, and response to infection. Allodynia is a pain response to a non-painful stimulus. Photophobia is an increased sensitivity to light. Hyperacusis is an increased sensitivity to sound.
Question 294
Technicians often perform a thankless job. You work behind the scenes or deal with clients at their worst. However, your assistance is of the utmost importance, especially when we do our best to provide our patients with a good quality death (as we provide a good quality of life). A technician's responsibilities in the euthanasia process can vary from practice to practice, even state to state, but may include all of the following, except:
Correct Answer: A
Again, what is expected of technicians in the euthanasia practice varies. It depends on the size of the practice, the number of staff members, how busy you are, what your overall euthanasia procedure is, and the flow of your hospital. It is generally accepted that technicians are responsible for the animal from start to finish. You will be expected to place an IV catheter (if desired by your veterinarian), draw up drugs (if your hospital's protocol), and provide a comfortable place for the owner and pet to spend some time together. Some veterinarians want to explain the process themselves, including the drugs used and what to expect clinically, while others may expect the technician to do so. Thus, understanding and recognizing what drugs may do and explaining this to the owner may be your responsibility. Some veterinarians request/require a technician to be with them and the pet during the process. Others usually do not require the tech's assistance. They will have the tech take care of the patient and body disposition after the owners have said goodbye and left the premises. Paperwork and payment are often reviewed by the client service representatives (CSRs), though this will vary with each practice, and in some practices, the technicians may also complete this step of the process. This is usually done before the veterinarian performs the euthanasia. After the loss, an owner can simply step out without having to do the business side of medicine. Some owners want time after the pet has passed. For those, the vet will let a tech know that the owners are spending time, and a tech will then be responsible for checking in on the family in a few minutes. Using empathy and compassion during the entire process is paramount. Once the owners have vacated, the technician and or assistants will then gently prepare the body for cremation or, if the owners elect to take it home for a private burial, remove the catheter and place the patient in a nice coffin or body bag and bring their loved one back to the owners when finished. In emergency practices, sometimes technicians will discuss the euthanasia process after discussing a treatment plan that is ultimately declined in favor of euthanasia. Then, a tech or CSR can take payment and finalize the owner's wishes. As part of preparing a body, technicians will sometimes memorialize the pet for the owner by making ink or clay paw prints. Further, they may start the euthanasia card and give it to the veterinarian to personalize.
Question 295
Microsurgical instruments, as may be used in small animal exotic surgeries, are designed in various lengths and for use in small spaces. All of the following are further characteristics of microsurgical instruments recommended in small animal exotics, except:
Correct Answer: D
Small animal exotic surgery often requires working in small areas, with less room to maneuver than is ideal. Tools commonly come in small variable sizes ranging from 4-6 inches long. Using ergonomic tools and precise movements by using a rolling technique is ideal. Counterbalancing helps enable smooth movements. Using instruments said to be counterbalanced refers to the non-surgical side of the tool being weighted and notched. This aids in creating stability when placed properly between the surgeon's forefinger and thumb. Use non-locking instruments or instruments with ratchets. These instruments frequently require additional effort and force to open, which can cause insurmountable and needless tissue injury to the animal.
