Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

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Prepare for the Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) with our comprehensive quiz. Enhance your knowledge with questions covering all exam sections. Each question includes detailed explanations to aid your understanding and readiness for the exam.

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Which of the following is a common contraindication for using nitrous oxide in dental hygiene procedures?

Hypertension
Respiratory issues
Anemia
Diabetes

The correct answer is: Respiratory issues

Respiratory issues represent a common contraindication for the use of nitrous oxide in dental hygiene procedures because nitrous oxide can affect the respiratory system. Patients with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or other similar issues may have difficulty breathing normally. The inhalation of nitrous oxide can lead to complications in these patients, making it crucial for dental professionals to avoid its use in such cases for the safety and well-being of the patient. While hypertension, anemia, and diabetes can have implications for procedural management, they do not typically present the same level of immediate risk associated with the inhalation of nitrous oxide. Hypertension should be managed carefully, but it does not inherently contraindicate nitrous oxide use. Anemia and diabetes do require consideration but do not pose as direct a respiratory risk as conditions that compromise respiratory function. Therefore, respiratory issues are particularly significant in determining the safety of nitrous oxide during dental hygiene procedures.