National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

Topical anesthesia can be administered in which forms?

1. Ointments, liquids, sprays, and patches

2. Only sprays and ointments

3. Only patches and ointments

4. Only liquids and patches

The correct answer is: Ointments, liquids, sprays, and patches

Topical anesthesia is designed to numb a specific area of the skin or mucous membranes before surgical or dental procedures. It can be administered in various forms to cater to different applications and patient needs. The correct answer acknowledges that topical anesthetics come in ointments, liquids, sprays, and patches. Ointments provide a thicker application that can adhere to the skin or mucosa for extended periods. Liquids are often used for rinses or direct applications, allowing for quick onset. Sprays enable easy application over larger areas or hard-to-reach places, delivering a fine mist that penetrates the surface. Finally, patches offer a controlled-release form of anesthetic, providing numbness for a prolonged duration without the need for frequent reapplication. While the other choices limit the forms of topical anesthesia to fewer categories, the comprehensive understanding of different formulations helps dental assistants choose the most appropriate method for pain management based on clinical situations and patient comfort.