Deck 25: Ergonomics

Question 1

Eyestrain is caused by not focusing for long enough periods of time during dental procedures.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

The use of ambidextrous gloves can place excessive tension on the:

A)median nerve.
B)carpal bones.
C)synovial sheath.
D)thenar eminence.

Answer 2

thenar eminence.

Question 3

What can a dental assistant do to relieve stress on the back,neck,and shoulders?

A)Periodically get up and walk around
B)Do the full back release and head rotations
C)Do shoulder shrugging
D)Both b and c

Answer 3

Both b and c

Question 4

The full back release involves:

A)inversion with gravity boots.
B)letting the head move down slowly and allowing the arms and head to fall between the knees.
C)lowering the back of the dental chair until the patient's head is lower than their feet.
D)touching your toes and then hyperextending your back.

Question 5

The risk for cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) can increase with:

A)standing in one position for extended periods of time.
B)overflexion and overextension of the wrist.
C)slouching.
D)none of the above.

Question 6

Challenges faced by dental professionals are the development of:

A)back and joint pain.
B)neck and shoulder pain and headache.
C)hand and wrist pain.
D)all of the above.

Question 7

During procedures,frequently used items should be:

A)kept behind you on the counter in order of use.
B)on a separate tray to the side of the assistant.
C)within a comfortable distance, not above the shoulders.
D)within a comfortable distance, away from the work area, and above the shoulders.

Question 8

The ideal working position for a dental assistant is:

A)a neutral position sitting upright with body weight evenly distributed.
B)standing chairside.
C)sitting leaning forward supported by the stool arm.
D)either a or c.

Question 9

Prevention of CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome) can be accomplished by:

A)warming the muscles and joints of hands by slowly opening and closing hands.
B)frequently resting the hands.
C)holding one arm out in front of body with hand extended, then pulling back gently with fingers of other hand.
D)all of the above.

Question 10

Frequent reaching,twisting,and working with the arms in awkward positions can cause:

A)sprains.
B)strains.
C)stress.
D)both a and b.

Question 11

Periodic stretching of the muscles that support your back,neck,forearms,wrists,and hands will help keep them strong and healthy.

Question 12

Repetitive motion,overflexion,and overextension of the wrist can significantly increase the risk for:

A)cumulative trauma disorders.
B)breaking the bone.
C)arthritis.
D)both a and b.

Question 13

Which of the following factors can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)?

A)Posture
B)Repetition and force
C)Twisting
D)Both a and b

Question 14

Shoulder shrugging helps to stretch shoulder muscles that may be strained from:

A)telephone handsets, oral evacuators, and instruments.
B)bending and twisting.
C)leaning forward.
D)sitting for long periods of time.

Question 15

The carpal tunnel contains _____ carpal bones.

A)three
B)six
C)eight
D)twelve

Question 16

To prevent eyestrain,the dental assistant should:

A)always wear safety glasses.
B)look up frequently and focus at a distance for about 20 seconds.
C)focus on the dentist's hands and patient's mouth.
D)never look at the curing light.

Question 17

In carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS),tendons swell and exert pressure on the:

A)carpal bones.
B)volar carpal ligament.
C)median nerve.
D)synovial sheath.

Question 18

Deviation from the neutral position includes:

A)twisting and leaning forward.
B)overbending back and reaching.
C)neither of the above.
D)both a and b.

Question 19

The goal of ergonomics is to help people:

A)adapt the human body to the work environment.
B)increase their range of twisting and reaching motions.
C)establish sequences of repetitive motions to reduce work strain.
D)stay healthy while performing their work more effectively.

Question 20

The first symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is often a(n):

A)decreased ability to squeeze an object.
B)painful tingling in one or both hands that occurs at night.
C)painful swelling of joints in the fingers.
D)inability to button clothing.

Question 21

Optimal operator positioning includes:

A)working from a neutral position.
B)repositioning the patient as necessary.
C)both a and b.
D)none of the above.

Question 22

While exercising daily will help prevent injuries and strain,before you begin exercising you should:

A)make sure you can endure the daily regimen.
B)check with your physician that it is safe to perform the exercises.
C)check with your physician if you experience pain while attempting any movements.
D)both b and c.

Question 23

The dental assistant should keep _________ when assisting.

A)head tilted, leaning forward
B)back straight and supported by a backrest and keep thighs parallel to the floor
C)elbows close to body
D)both b and c

Question 24

Ergonomic chairside suggestions include:

A)avoiding prolonged awkward positions and remaining in one position for extended periods of time.
B)increase of repetitions and forceful movements.
C)rearranging items in the operatory for easy use and using muscles to remain balanced for ease of movement.
D)both a and c.