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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.

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  1. Which of the following is the MOST common medical emergency encountered in the dental office?

    Answer: Vasovagal syncope

    Vasovagal syncope (fainting) is the most frequently encountered medical emergency in dental settings, often triggered by anxiety, pain, or the sight of blood.

  2. A conscious patient reports crushing substernal chest pain radiating to the left arm. The dental hygienist suspects myocardial infarction. Which medication should be given while awaiting EMS?

    Answer: Aspirin 325 mg chewed plus nitroglycerin if not already taken

    Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces infarct size; it is given along with nitroglycerin (if the patient has not already taken their dose) while awaiting EMS.

  3. During local anesthetic injection, a patient suddenly becomes pale, diaphoretic, and loses consciousness for 30 seconds then recovers. What most likely occurred?

    Answer: Vasovagal syncope

    A brief loss of consciousness following an injection, preceded by pallor and diaphoresis, is classic vasovagal syncope caused by anxiety and pain-induced vagal response.

  4. At what depth should chest compressions be performed on an adult patient during CPR according to current AHA guidelines?

    Answer: At least 2 inches (5 cm), not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm)

    AHA guidelines specify chest compressions of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) to optimize cardiac output without causing injury.

  5. A patient on a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) inadvertently receives a high dose of local anesthetic. Which sign most specifically indicates local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST)?

    Answer: Perioral numbness followed by seizures and cardiovascular collapse

    LAST classically presents with CNS excitation (perioral numbness, tinnitus, seizures) followed by CNS and cardiovascular depression, especially in patients on TCAs which lower seizure threshold.

  6. Which of the following patients is at HIGHEST risk for an adrenal crisis during dental treatment?

    Answer: A patient on long-term prednisone 20 mg/day for rheumatoid arthritis

    Long-term systemic corticosteroid use suppresses the HPA axis, impairing the adrenal glands' ability to increase cortisol output in response to surgical stress.

  7. What is the rate of chest compressions recommended for adult CPR per current AHA guidelines?

    Answer: 100–120 compressions per minute

    Current AHA guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100–120 per minute to maintain adequate cardiac output without reducing effectiveness from excessive speed.