Managing Medical Emergencies Flashcards

A patient on beta-blocker therapy experiences anaphylaxis. The initial dose of epinephrine fails to improve symptoms. This resistance occurs because beta-blockers:

Answer: Block the beta-2 adrenergic bronchodilation effect of epinephrine

Beta-blockers antagonize the beta-2 adrenergic bronchodilatory effects of epinephrine, making anaphylaxis more refractory; glucagon may be needed as an alternative.

During a procedure, a patient becomes unresponsive and has no pulse. The AED delivers a shock, but the patient remains pulseless. What is the immediate next step?

Answer: Resume CPR beginning with chest compressions for 2 minutes

After any AED shock, regardless of outcome, immediately resume CPR starting with chest compressions for 2 minutes before re-analyzing the rhythm.

A patient with hyperventilation syndrome presents with tingling in the hands and feet and carpopedal spasm. What is the pathophysiology?

Answer: Hypocapnia causing respiratory alkalosis and decreased ionized calcium

Rapid breathing causes CO2 exhalation, producing hypocapnia and respiratory alkalosis, which decreases ionized serum calcium and causes neuromuscular excitability (tetany).

Which characteristic of a patient's medical history is MOST associated with increased risk of latex allergy in the dental setting?

Answer: Multiple prior surgeries (especially urologic or spinal)

Patients with multiple surgeries, especially urologic or spinal procedures, have repeated latex exposure that sensitizes the immune system, significantly increasing latex allergy risk.

What is the primary reason dental offices must maintain a log of emergency drug expiration dates?

Answer: To ensure drugs are potent and effective when an emergency occurs

Expired emergency drugs may have reduced or unpredictable potency, rendering them ineffective at a critical moment when reliable pharmacologic action is essential.

A patient develops stridor (high-pitched inspiratory noise) after receiving a local anesthetic injection. This sign most likely indicates:

Answer: Upper airway obstruction due to angioedema or anaphylaxis

Stridor is caused by partial upper airway obstruction and, in the post-injection setting, strongly suggests angioedema or anaphylaxis requiring immediate epinephrine administration.

After managing a medical emergency in the dental office, what documentation should the dental hygienist complete?

Answer: A detailed incident report including timeline, signs, interventions, patient response, and EMS outcome

A thorough incident report documenting the timeline, clinical findings, interventions, drug doses, and outcome is required for legal, quality assurance, and continuity-of-care purposes.