Management of Medical Emergencies Flashcards

A patient in the dental chair develops a tonic-clonic seizure. Which action is MOST appropriate during the seizure?

Answer: Clear the area and time the seizure while protecting the airway

During a seizure, the dental team should clear sharp objects, time the event, and protect the airway without restraining the patient or placing anything in the mouth.

What is the primary concern when a seizure in a dental patient lasts longer than 5 minutes?

Answer: Status epilepticus requiring immediate EMS activation

A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is classified as status epilepticus, a medical emergency requiring EMS and potential administration of benzodiazepines.

A dental patient with Type 1 diabetes becomes unresponsive. The hygienist cannot confirm whether blood glucose is low or high. What should be done?

Answer: Administer oral glucose and activate EMS

When uncertain about diabetic emergency type in an unresponsive patient, administering glucose is safer because hypoglycemia is rapidly fatal while hyperglycemia worsens slowly.

Which of the following is a sign that distinguishes hyperglycemic emergency (diabetic ketoacidosis) from hypoglycemia?

Answer: Fruity acetone breath

Fruity acetone breath is pathognomonic of diabetic ketoacidosis due to ketone production from fat metabolism when insulin is absent.

What does an AED's voice prompt 'No shock advised' indicate when used on an unresponsive patient?

Answer: The rhythm detected is non-shockable; CPR should be continued immediately

A 'no shock advised' message means the AED detected a non-shockable rhythm (PEA or asystole); CPR must be resumed immediately as defibrillation cannot help these rhythms.

A patient on beta-blocker therapy has a severe allergic reaction. Which clinical concern arises when administering epinephrine?

Answer: The beta-blockade may blunt epinephrine's bronchodilatory effect and paradoxically worsen bronchospasm

Beta-blockers can oppose the beta-2 bronchodilatory effect of epinephrine and cause paradoxical bronchospasm and refractory hypotension in anaphylaxis.

Which emergency medication in the dental office kit is used to manage a patient experiencing an adrenal crisis (acute adrenal insufficiency)?

Answer: Hydrocortisone sodium succinate (Solu-Cortef) injectable

Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef) replaces the cortisol that patients on chronic corticosteroid therapy or with Addison's disease cannot produce during surgical stress.