GENERAL AND ORAL PATHOLOGY FOR
DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE
AUTHOR(S)MYERS, SANDRA; CURRAN,
ALICE
TEST BANK
1️⃣
Reference: Ch. 1 — Assessment of Oral Pathologic Lesions
Question Stem:
During an oral examination, a dental hygienist notes a red, well-
demarcated patch on the lateral border of the tongue. The
patient reports no pain. Which is the hygienist’s next best step
in assessment?
Options:
A. Ask the patient about duration and changes in the lesion
B. Immediately refer for biopsy
C. Prescribe topical antifungal medication
D. Document the lesion and ignore unless symptoms develop
Correct Answer: A
,Rationales:
• A (Correct): Duration and history are essential components
in lesion evaluation and influence diagnostic decisions.
• B: Referral may be appropriate later, but history is
gathered first.
• C: Empirical treatment is premature without narrowing the
differential.
• D: Lesions should not be ignored; proper documentation
and follow-up are necessary.
Teaching Point:
History of a lesion is a critical first step in diagnostic reasoning.
Citation: Myers & Curran (2023), Ch. 1.
2️⃣
Reference: Ch. 1 — Patient Assessment and History
Question Stem:
A patient reports a burning sensation of the tongue that
worsens at the end of the day. No visible lesions are noted.
Which patient history element would be most useful to explore
next?
Options:
A. Dietary intake
B. Blood pressure history
,C. Tobacco and alcohol use
D. Stress and anxiety levels
Correct Answer: D
Rationales:
• D (Correct): Burning symptoms without clinical findings
may be associated with parafunctional habits or stress-
related conditions.
• A: Diet is relevant but less directly linked to unexplained
burning.
• B: BP does not typically cause burning tongue.
• C: Tobacco may cause pathology, but typically with visible
findings.
Teaching Point:
Symptoms without visible lesions require detailed subjective
history.
Citation: Myers & Curran (2023), Ch. 1.
3️⃣
Reference: Ch. 1 — Terminology Used in Describing Lesions
Question Stem:
A smooth, elevated lesion less than 1 cm in diameter is
documented on the buccal mucosa. Which term best describes
it?
, Options:
A. Ulcer
B. Vesicle
C. Papule
D. Nodule
Correct Answer: C
Rationales:
• C (Correct): A papule is an elevated, solid lesion <1 cm.
• B: A vesicle contains fluid.
• A: An ulcer is a loss of surface epithelium.
• D: A nodule is >1 cm and palpable.
Teaching Point:
Correct lesion terminology supports accurate communication
and diagnosis.
Citation: Myers & Curran (2023), Ch. 1.
4️⃣
Reference: Ch. 1 — Head, Neck, and Intraoral Examination
Question Stem:
During an extraoral exam, a firm, fixed lymph node is palpated
below the mandible. Which interpretation is most appropriate?
DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE
AUTHOR(S)MYERS, SANDRA; CURRAN,
ALICE
TEST BANK
1️⃣
Reference: Ch. 1 — Assessment of Oral Pathologic Lesions
Question Stem:
During an oral examination, a dental hygienist notes a red, well-
demarcated patch on the lateral border of the tongue. The
patient reports no pain. Which is the hygienist’s next best step
in assessment?
Options:
A. Ask the patient about duration and changes in the lesion
B. Immediately refer for biopsy
C. Prescribe topical antifungal medication
D. Document the lesion and ignore unless symptoms develop
Correct Answer: A
,Rationales:
• A (Correct): Duration and history are essential components
in lesion evaluation and influence diagnostic decisions.
• B: Referral may be appropriate later, but history is
gathered first.
• C: Empirical treatment is premature without narrowing the
differential.
• D: Lesions should not be ignored; proper documentation
and follow-up are necessary.
Teaching Point:
History of a lesion is a critical first step in diagnostic reasoning.
Citation: Myers & Curran (2023), Ch. 1.
2️⃣
Reference: Ch. 1 — Patient Assessment and History
Question Stem:
A patient reports a burning sensation of the tongue that
worsens at the end of the day. No visible lesions are noted.
Which patient history element would be most useful to explore
next?
Options:
A. Dietary intake
B. Blood pressure history
,C. Tobacco and alcohol use
D. Stress and anxiety levels
Correct Answer: D
Rationales:
• D (Correct): Burning symptoms without clinical findings
may be associated with parafunctional habits or stress-
related conditions.
• A: Diet is relevant but less directly linked to unexplained
burning.
• B: BP does not typically cause burning tongue.
• C: Tobacco may cause pathology, but typically with visible
findings.
Teaching Point:
Symptoms without visible lesions require detailed subjective
history.
Citation: Myers & Curran (2023), Ch. 1.
3️⃣
Reference: Ch. 1 — Terminology Used in Describing Lesions
Question Stem:
A smooth, elevated lesion less than 1 cm in diameter is
documented on the buccal mucosa. Which term best describes
it?
, Options:
A. Ulcer
B. Vesicle
C. Papule
D. Nodule
Correct Answer: C
Rationales:
• C (Correct): A papule is an elevated, solid lesion <1 cm.
• B: A vesicle contains fluid.
• A: An ulcer is a loss of surface epithelium.
• D: A nodule is >1 cm and palpable.
Teaching Point:
Correct lesion terminology supports accurate communication
and diagnosis.
Citation: Myers & Curran (2023), Ch. 1.
4️⃣
Reference: Ch. 1 — Head, Neck, and Intraoral Examination
Question Stem:
During an extraoral exam, a firm, fixed lymph node is palpated
below the mandible. Which interpretation is most appropriate?
