Deck 24: Ergonomics

Question 1

Customized loupes/magnification increase field size.Customized loupes/magnification decrease brightness.

A) Both statements are true.
B) Both statements are false.
C) The first statement is true; the second is false.
D) The first statement is false; the second is true.

Answer 1

The first statement is false; the second is true.

Question 2

What is the best positioning adjustment a dental hygienist can make to decrease low back pain and aid in a more "operator friendly" body position when treating a patient?

A) Alternate between sitting and standing.
B) Employ a neutral sitting position.
C) Maintain a straight back with neutral head.
D) Utilize properly fitted loupes.

Answer 2

Alternate between sitting and standing.

Question 3

Prior to beginning work for the day,a dental hygienist performing a wrist flexor stretch can enhance the stretch by

A) Extending fingers toward the inside of the wrist
B) Extending fingers toward the ceiling
C) Making a fist while flexing the wrist
D) Straightening the arm parallel to the floor

Answer 3

Making a fist while flexing the wrist

Question 4

Which musculoskeletal disorder is a dental hygienist most at risk for developing if he repeatedly reaches across the patient chair to the keyboard when entering probe depths?

A) Carpal tunnel syndrome
B) De Quervain's syndrome
C) Myofascial pain syndrome
D) Thoracic outlet syndrome

Question 5

It is important for both dental hygiene students and most experienced clinicians to perform hand-strengthening exercises on a regular basis to manage instruments effectively.

Question 6

Which statement best describes the goal of instrument choice for the clinician?

A) Choose a variety of instrument handle sizes and textures to distribute muscle activity.
B) Choose instrument handles that are hollow or resin to reduce hand fatigue.
C) Reduce force exertion while maintaining the hand and wrist in neutral position.
D) Use automated instruments as often as possible to prevent repetitive motions.

Question 7

A dental hygienist is experiencing pain in the neck and back.Identify an additional symptom that would most likely suggest a diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome rather than rotator cuff problems.

A) Pain in the arm
B) Pain in the shoulder
C) Swelling in the arm
D) Swelling in the shoulder

Question 8

Stretching in the operatory or workplace improves range of motion within and around joints.Stretching improves circulation.

A) Both statements are true.
B) Both statements are false.
C) The first statement is true; the second is false.
D) The first statement is false; the second is true.

Question 9

A dental hygiene student complaining of back pain,who leans too forward when treating patients,may find relief to create an anteverted pelvis by

A) Increasing the operator chair height to place the hips slightly higher than the knees
B) Keeping the lower belly in and up to decrease the pressure on the spine and relax hips
C) Moving around the patient in all clock positions to change the angle of the hips
D) Standing to open the pelvis,placing it directly over the hips and lower extremities

Question 10

Magnification loupes may help prevent musculoskeletal disorders by creating a shorter working distance.

Question 11

A sharper working edge on an instrument may be related to reduced hand fatigue.

Question 12

A dental hygienist suffering from fatigue and discomfort when working with patients should participate in a study of

A) Ergonomics
B) Dynamic sitting
C) Musculoskeletal disorders
D) Myofascial pain

Question 13

Select three items associated with hand instrument selection.

A) The purpose of the instrument
B) Uniformity of all instruments to promote efficiency and effectiveness
C) Heaviness,which allows the hygienist to use necessary force
D) Textured handle to enhance stability
E) A cutting edge that stays sharp

Question 14

What is the best positioning adjustment for the clinician or patient chair to prevent bending the back and craning the neck when working on the lower anterior teeth of a large patient?

A) Position patient so the patient's chin is parallel to the floor.
B) Stand up to perform dentistry with the patient in a supine position.
C) Use a saddle chair to move close to the patient.
D) Wear loupes with a headlight to increase illumination.

Question 15

A dental professional experiencing back pain usually sits with her thighs parallel to the floor instead of a slight angle,placing the pelvis in which of the following positions?

A) Anteverted,causing the spine to elongate
B) Forward,extending the tailbone posteriorly
C) Rolled back,because the low back is flattened
D) Too far anterior,causing muscle contraction

Question 16

A dental hygienist who sits on the edge of the operator stool will maintain pelvic and spinal alignment which may help prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

Question 17

A dental hygiene student practicing yoga will improve spinal alignment and posture.

Question 18

A dental hygiene student begins experiencing headaches in his face,especially the eye and nose area.The student wears through-the-lens loupes with a headlight.What factor is most likely contributing to the headaches?

A) Headlight illumination is low.
B) Headlight illumination is too narrow.
C) Headlight is too large.
D) Headlight weighs too much.

Question 19

Exercising and stretching outside of the operatory is vital in prevention of stress and musculoskeletal disorders.