National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What should be documented when recording pain and anxiety analgesia?

1. Patient's favorite activities

2. Time anesthesia began and ended

3. Type of dental procedure

4. Food allergies

The correct answer is: Time anesthesia began and ended

When documenting pain and anxiety analgesia, it is essential to record the time anesthesia began and ended. This information is important for several reasons. First, it allows the dental professionals to keep track of the duration of the anesthetic effect, which is crucial for patient safety and for subsequent treatment planning. Understanding how long the anesthesia lasted helps in managing follow-up care and provides insight into the patient's recovery process. Additionally, accurately documenting the time can assist in monitoring any potential adverse reactions or side effects related to the analgesia administered. This could inform future treatment protocols and decisions for that patient or others with similar needs. While other options relate to the patient's history or preferences, they do not have the same direct relevance to the administration and impact of analgesia during a dental procedure.