Management of Medical Emergencies Flashcards
7 cards from real ADEX practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Management of Medical Emergencies flashcards as text
A patient begins experiencing an asthma attack during a dental procedure. After stopping treatment, what is the FIRST action the dental hygienist should take?
Answer: Have the patient use their bronchodilator inhaler
The first step in managing an acute asthma attack is to have the patient self-administer their prescribed bronchodilator (rescue inhaler) while placed in an upright position.
Which of the following best describes the signs of hypoglycemia in a dental patient?
Answer: Diaphoresis, confusion, and shakiness with rapid onset
Hypoglycemia presents with diaphoresis (sweating), confusion, and trembling due to rapid blood glucose drop, distinguishing it from hyperglycemia which has a slower onset.
A patient with a known peanut allergy develops hives, itching, and swelling of the lips shortly after a procedure. The dental hygienist suspects anaphylaxis is developing. What is the drug of choice?
Answer: Epinephrine 1:1000 IM into the anterolateral thigh
Epinephrine 1:1000 administered intramuscularly into the anterolateral thigh is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis due to its rapid alpha and beta adrenergic effects.
During a dental appointment, a patient suddenly loses consciousness and has no pulse. In what ratio should compressions to ventilations be performed for adult CPR by two rescuers?
Answer: 30:2
Current AHA guidelines recommend a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR with two rescuers, ensuring adequate chest compressions with minimal interruptions.
A patient with a history of angina reports chest pain that is not relieved after one nitroglycerin tablet. What is the appropriate next step?
Answer: Administer a second nitroglycerin tablet after 5 minutes and call EMS if pain persists after a third dose
If one nitroglycerin tablet does not relieve chest pain, a second may be given after 5 minutes; if pain persists after a third dose, EMS must be activated as myocardial infarction is suspected.
Which position is MOST appropriate for a patient experiencing syncope in the dental chair?
Answer: Supine with legs elevated above heart level (Trendelenburg)
The Trendelenburg position (supine with legs elevated) increases venous return to the heart and improves cerebral perfusion in patients experiencing vasovagal syncope.
A patient taking warfarin presents with uncontrolled bleeding after a simple extraction. Which emergency drug found in the dental office emergency kit is MOST relevant?
Answer: Vasoconstrictors are used topically; no systemic emergency drug is indicated
For anticoagulant-induced prolonged bleeding, local hemostatic measures (pressure, gelatin sponge) are used; systemic reversal agents like vitamin K or FFP are not part of the dental emergency kit.