Patient with a Neurodevelopmental Disorder Quiz

A 15-year-old patient with Down syndrome presents for dental hygiene care. Which of the following oral manifestations is most commonly associated with Down syndrome?

 

Increased caries risk due to xerostomia

 

Macroglossia and delayed eruption of teeth

 

Hyperplastic gingiva due to medication use

 

Severe enamel hypoplasia

Macroglossia and delayed eruption of teeth

Which of the following best describes a key behavioral characteristic often seen in individuals with Fragile X syndrome that may impact dental treatment?

 

Severe intellectual disability with minimal social interaction

 

Hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli leading to anxiety or agitation

 

Complete inability to follow any instructions

 

Lack of any repetitive behaviors or habits

Hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli leading to anxiety or agitation

When working with a patient with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which of the following strategies is most effective to improve cooperation?

 

Use a long, detailed explanation of every step before beginning

 

Avoid any eye contact or communication

 

Use consistent, structured routines and visual schedules

 

Perform all procedures as quickly as possible without explanation

Use consistent, structured routines and visual schedules

Which of the following is a common oral condition found in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders that may be exacerbated by mouth breathing?

 

Increased calculus formation

 

Gingival hyperplasia

 

Xerostomia leading to increased caries risk

 

Oral candidiasis due to immunosuppression

Xerostomia leading to increased caries risk

When treating a patient with intellectual disability, which of the following communication techniques is generally recommended?

 

Use complex language to encourage learning

 

Speak slowly, use simple sentences, and repeat instructions as needed

 

Avoid verbal communication and rely on physical guidance only

 

Speak loudly and quickly to get the patient’s attention

Speak slowly, use simple sentences, and repeat instructions as needed

A 14-year-old patient with autism becomes anxious and agitated when asked to lie back in the dental chair. What is the best way for the dental hygienist to proceed?

 

Force the patient into the chair quickly before agitation escalates

 

Use gradual desensitization, allowing the patient to explore the chair and environment first

 

Cancel the appointment and reschedule when the patient is more cooperative

 

Use restraints to prevent movement during treatment

Use gradual desensitization, allowing the patient to explore the chair and environment first

Which of the following statements about the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders is most accurate?

 

Intellectual disability affects approximately 1-3% of the population

 

Fragile X syndrome is more common than Autism Spectrum Disorder

 

All patients with cerebral palsy have intellectual disabilities

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects only males

Intellectual disability affects approximately 1-3% of the population

For patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, dental caries risk can be increased due to all of the following except:

 

Poor manual dexterity impacting oral hygiene

 

Dietary habits high in fermentable carbohydrates

 

Frequent use of sugar-containing medications

 

Increased salivary flow

Increased salivary flow

Which medication used frequently in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders can cause gingival hyperplasia?

 

Phenytoin

 

Penicillin

 

Ibuprofen

 

Warfarin

Phenytoin

A 12-year-old patient with Down syndrome presents with enlarged, inflamed gingiva. The patient takes phenytoin for seizure control. What is the best next step in managing this patient’s oral health?

 

Refer immediately for surgical removal of the gingiva

 

Educate caregivers on meticulous plaque control and recommend frequent professional cleanings

 

Discontinue phenytoin use

 

No treatment is necessary as gingival enlargement is unavoidable

 

Educate caregivers on meticulous plaque control and recommend frequent professional cleanings

Which of the following best describes the typical intellectual functioning of individuals with mild intellectual disability?

 

Can acquire academic skills up to about sixth-grade level and live independently with minimal support

 

Requires constant supervision and care for all daily activities

 

Cannot communicate verbally

 

Functions at the same level as peers without disabilities

Can acquire academic skills up to about sixth-grade level and live independently with minimal support

Which feature most accurately distinguishes Fragile X syndrome from other intellectual disabilities?

 

Macroglossia and hypotonia

 

Behavioral characteristics including social anxiety, hand-flapping, and hyperactivity

 

Severe intellectual disability with no verbal communication

 

Predominantly physical rather than cognitive impairments

Behavioral characteristics including social anxiety, hand-flapping, and hyperactivity

You are treating a 12-year-old patient with cerebral palsy who exhibits involuntary movements and poor head control. What is the best approach to ensure safe and effective dental hygiene care?

 

Restrain the patient tightly to minimize movement

 

Use short, frequent appointments and provide head support

 

Avoid treatment until the patient can remain still independently

 

Use only topical fluoride treatments

Use short, frequent appointments and provide head support

Which of the following describes a common social challenge faced by individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders that can impact oral health care?

 

Lack of insurance coverage

 

Difficulties with social communication and anxiety leading to missed appointments

 

Excessive dental knowledge causing refusal of treatment

 

Overdependence on dental professionals

Difficulties with social communication and anxiety leading to missed appointments