Deck 12: Introduction to Radiographic Examinations

Question 1

Which of the following statements would be acceptable communication with a patient?

A) "We need to retake your radiographs because the films got stuck in the processor again."
B) "This tube head always drifts."
C) "This x-ray machine is making a strange noise. Let's see if it will affect your radiographs."
D) "Your radiographs are too dark but we corrected the problem. Let's take them again."

Answer 1

"Your radiographs are too dark but we corrected the problem. Let's take them again."

Question 2

Effective verbal communication begins with:

A) facing the patient directly, maintaining eye contact, and giving specific directions.
B) speaking lower than the patient's educational level to ensure that directions are understood.
C) giving instructions quickly to minimize the length of time the patient must bite down.
D) repeating requests several times to greater facilitate comprehension.

Answer 2

facing the patient directly, maintaining eye contact, and giving specific directions.

Question 3

Which of these statements is FALSE?

A) The radiographer must remain in the room during the exposure to be sure the patient does not move.
B) A lead/lead-equivalent apron and thyroid collar can be used to protect the patient from stray radiation.
C) Scientists know that exposure to large doses of radiation is more likely to cause biological harm.
D) The risk of harmful effects from dental x-ray exams is extremely small.

Answer 3

The radiographer must remain in the room during the exposure to be sure the patient does not move.

Question 4

If you are uncertain of the correct pronunciation of the patient's name:

A) ask the patient to pronounce his or her name for you.
B) pronounce the name phonetically and let the patient correct you.
C) ask the receptionist for the correct pronunciation.
D) address the patient using his or her first name.

Question 5

Which of these statements is FALSE?

A) A panoramic radiograph records all maxillary and mandibular teeth and surrounding bone.
B) Adults generally need x-rays more often than children.
C) X-ray exams should be individualized for each patient.
D) Radiographs may aid in the evaluation of periodontal diseases.

Question 6

Which of the following statements regarding dental radiography during pregnancy is correct?

A) It causes premature delivery.
B) It overexposes the area of the developing fetus.
C) It has been linked to full-term, low birth-weight infants.
D) It creates birth defects.

Question 7

Which of the following are considered forms of nonverbal communication?

A) Facial expressions
B) Body movements
C) Listening
D) All of the above

Question 8

Which of these statements regarding patient relations is FALSE?

A) Respectfulness and courtesy are examples of interpersonal skills.
B) The radiographer's attitude toward his or her own technical ability is conveyed to the patient.
C) If a patient has concerns regarding x-ray exposure, the radiographer should tell the patient not to worry, everything will be okay.
D) If the radiographer feels the procedure is unnecessary or uncomfortable, these feelings will be conveyed to the patient.

Question 9

Each of the following is a precaution that minimizes the amount of radiation a patient receives EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

A) Take only necessary radiographs.
B) Use the slowest film speed currently available.
C) Use collimating equipment that restricts the beam size and shape.
D) Cover all patients with a lead/lead-equivalent apron and thyroid shield.

Question 10

Which communication to a patient is contraindicated during radiographic procedures?

A) "Open wider, please."
B) "I need you to slowly close."
C) This won't hurt a bit."
D) "Breathe through your nose."

Question 11

Which word is least likely to be understood by the average patient?

A) Dental film
B) X-ray film
C) Radiograph
D) Periapical

Question 12

Which attitude is more likely to gain the patient's trust with respect to the radiographer's ability?

A) "I know this is an uncomfortable procedure, so I'll be as quick as possible."
B) "This is an easy procedure, but I need you to help by slowly closing."
C) "I always gag on the back ones, so I understand your apprehension."
D) "A small mouth makes it difficult, but this will only be for a few seconds."

Question 13

A position assumed by the body in connection with a feeling or mood is called:

A) attitude.
B) empathy.
C) communication.
D) chairside manner.

Question 14

Each of the following statements regarding effective nonverbal communication is correct EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

A) Nonverbal communication is not very believable.
B) A nod of the head indicates "yes" or agreement.
C) A smile by the radiographer can help to relax the patient and reduce apprehension.
D) Facial expressions strongly convey the attitude of the radiographer.

Question 15

Which of the following best responds to this patient question: "Why do you use a lead apron when exposing my radiographs?"

A) "In case you are pregnant."
B) "To protect you from possible scatter radiation."
C) "To assist with holding you still in the chair."
D) "Because it's required by law."

Question 16

Each of the following plays a role in gaining patient confidence and cooperation EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

A) Appearance
B) Anxiety
C) Attitude
D) Communication

Question 17

Which of the following best responds to this patient question: "How often should children have dental x-rays?"

A) Every 6 months
B) Once a year
C) Whenever the child needs them
D) After the first permanent molars erupt

Question 18

Which of the following statements regarding interpersonal skills is best?

A) The radiographer should praise the patient for their assistance with the procedure.
B) Acknowledge mistakes with an easygoing "Oops," indicating that it is not serious.
C) It is natural to show frustration with a patient who is having difficulty managing the procedure.
D) If a patient is feeling discomfort, tell him or her to hang on and be patient.

Question 19

Each of the following statements regarding communication is correct EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

A) Patient questions must be answered honestly to develop trust.
B) Communication is the process by which information is exchanged between two or more people.
C) Establish how you will communicate with the patient prior to putting on the mask required for radiographic procedures.
D) In an uncomfortable discussion, avoid eye contact with the patient.

Question 20

Which of the following statements is correct?

A) The measurement term "gray" indicates comparisons between different types of radiation.
B) Exposures are recorded with the term "sievert."
C) The amount of radiation absorbed by the tissue is referred to as the dose.
D) mSv stands for one-hundredth of a sievert.

Question 21

Attitude is defined as the position assumed by the body in connection with a feeling or mood.

Question 22

The best answer to the patient question, "Why do I need x-rays?" is because the dentist requested them.

Question 23

Attitudes toward an employer and co-workers play a role in determining the degree of successful patient management.

Question 24

Apathy is the ability to share in another's emotions or feelings.

Question 25

If placement of an intraoral image receptor is uncomfortable for the patient, the radiographic procedure should be postponed.

Question 26

When placing the image receptor intraorally, the radiographer should ask the patient, "Does that feel okay?"

Question 27

Show-tell-do is a method of communication reserved for the child patient.

Question 28

Sentence structure is important for the short, precise directions used in dental radiography.

Question 29

The radiographer's attitude toward his or her own technical ability will also be conveyed to the patient.

Question 30

Prior to leaving the operatory to make an exposure, the radiographer should ask the patient, "Can you hold still, please?"

Question 31

When verbal and nonverbal communication is not in synch, it is the verbal communication that is more believable.

Question 32

Patients who have had radiation therapy for cancer of tissues located in the head or neck region should avoid dental radiographs.

Question 33

Nonverbal communication includes gestures, facial expressions, body movement, and listening.

Question 34

A patient can refuse dental radiographs and still be treated.

Question 35

The radiographer should respond to a patient's fear of radiation by stating that excess radiation exposure from dental radiographs is not a concern of the practice.

Question 36

Respectfulness and courtesy are examples of interpersonal skills.

Question 37

If the radiographer feels the procedure is unnecessary or uncomfortable, these feelings
will be conveyed to the patient.

Question 38

An educated patient is more inclined to understand and accept dental treatment plans and embrace suggestions for oral health promotion and disease prevention.

Question 39

Dismissing the patient's fears and reassuring him or her that everything will be okay prior to the procedure improves chairside manner.

Question 40

Educating patients about the importance of dental radiographs in comprehensive oral health care depends on the radiographer's ability to communicate.

Question 41

Can intraoral and panoramic radiographs be prescribed for the same patient?

Question 42

Are large amounts of radiation harmful?

Question 43

Should dental x-rays be taken every 6 months?

Question 44

How should the radiographer greet the patient?

Question 45

Is it acceptable for the radiographer to use such slang terms as "zap" or "shoot" to describe radiographic procedures?

Question 46

Should patients who have had radiation therapy for cancer of the head or neck avoid dental x-rays?

Question 47

What is the term used to describe the conduct of the radiographer while taking radiographs on the patient?

Question 48

What is the name of the process by which information is exchanged between two or more people?

Question 49

Does patient refusal to submit to dental radiographs preclude care being rendered by the dentist?

Question 50

Are the radiation doses for modern dental diagnostic procedures large?