ADEX Dental Hygiene Management of Medical Emergencies Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient in the dental chair suddenly becomes pale, and their skin feels cool and clammy.
They report feeling dizzy and then lose consciousness for less than a minute.
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Place the patient in a supine position with their feet slightly elevated.

Answer

Administer aromatic ammonia inhalant.

Answer

Call 911 immediately.

Answer

Provide a sugary drink as soon as they regain consciousness.

Question 2

A 50-year-old patient with a known history of Type 1 diabetes begins to act confused, speaks with slurred words, and appears shaky and sweaty. The patient is conscious and able to follow commands. What is the best initial management for this situation?

Accepted Answer

Administer 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as juice or glucose gel.

Answer

Administer an intramuscular injection of glucagon.

Answer

Provide a glass of diet soda.

Answer

Monitor vital signs and wait for symptoms to resolve on their own.

Question 3

Which of the following is the definitive, first-line medication for treating a patient experiencing a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) characterized by respiratory distress and hypotension?

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular epinephrine

Answer

Oral diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Answer

An albuterol inhaler

Answer

Intravenous corticosteroids

Question 4

A 62-year-old patient with a history of stable angina complains of substernal chest pain. You stop the procedure and administer one dose of their sublingual nitroglycerin. After 5 minutes, the patient states the pain is unimproved. What is the most critical next step?

Accepted Answer

Assume the patient is experiencing a myocardial infarction and activate emergency medical services (EMS).

Answer

Administer a second and third dose of nitroglycerin before taking further action.

Answer

Have the patient chew a 325 mg aspirin tablet.

Answer

Continue to monitor vital signs for another 10 minutes.

Question 5

During a routine appointment, a patient suddenly becomes rigid, loses consciousness, and begins to exhibit convulsive movements in their arms and legs. Which of the following represents the MOST appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Clear the area of hazards, protect the patient's head, and time the seizure.

Answer

Place a padded tongue blade in the patient's mouth to prevent them from biting their tongue.

Answer

Attempt to restrain the patient's limbs to prevent injury.

Answer

Immediately sit the patient upright to improve breathing.

Question 6

An anxious 18-year-old patient begins breathing rapidly and complains of tingling in their fingers and feeling lightheaded. The most appropriate initial management is to:

Accepted Answer

Attempt to calm the patient and coach them to slow their breathing rate.

Answer

Administer oxygen via a face mask.

Answer

Have the patient breathe into a paper bag.

Answer

Place the patient in a supine position and elevate their legs.

A patient in the dental chair suddenly becomes pale, and their skin feels cool and clammy.They report feeling dizzy and then lose consciousness for less than a minute.Which of the following is the MOST appropriate immediate action?

A patient in the dental chair suddenly becomes pale, and their skin feels cool and clammy.
They report feeling dizzy and then lose consciousness for less than a minute.
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate immediate action?