California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Written Practice Exam

Which of the following is recommended to minimize the occupational exposure to atmospheric nitrous oxide?

1. Using a high-speed exhaust fan

2. Using general anesthesia instead

3. Use a properly fitted nasal patient mask

4. No mask required

The correct answer is: Use a properly fitted nasal patient mask

Using a high-speed exhaust fan is not a recommended method to minimize occupational exposure to atmospheric nitrous oxide. It may help remove other airborne contaminants, but nitrous oxide has a low boiling point and can quickly evaporate into the air, making it difficult to remove entirely. Using general anesthesia instead is not a recommended method to minimize occupational exposure to atmospheric nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is commonly used in general anesthesia, so this option would actually increase exposure instead of minimizing it. No mask required is not a recommended method to minimize occupational exposure to atmospheric nitrous oxide. This option is unsafe and would put individuals at risk for high levels of exposure to the gas. The recommended method to minimize occupational exposure to atmospheric nitrous oxide is to use a properly fitted nasal patient mask. This type of mask helps to limit the amount of gas inhaled by the user, reducing exposure.