Managing 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 Managing Medical Emergencies flashcards as text
A patient suddenly becomes pale, diaphoretic, and reports feeling faint during scaling. What is the most likely emergency?
Answer: Vasovagal syncope
Vasovagal syncope (fainting) classically presents with pallor, diaphoresis, and pre-syncope triggered by anxiety or pain during dental procedures.
What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio when performing adult CPR with two rescuers?
Answer: 30:2
The AHA recommends a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR regardless of whether one or two rescuers are present.
A patient with a known peanut allergy develops generalized urticaria and throat tightness five minutes after receiving a topical anesthetic. Which drug should be administered first?
Answer: Epinephrine 1:1000 IM
Epinephrine 1:1000 administered IM into the mid-outer thigh is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis because it reverses airway obstruction and hypotension rapidly.
During a procedure, a patient with a history of epilepsy experiences a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. What is the dental hygienist's FIRST action?
Answer: Clear the area of sharp objects and protect the patient from injury
The priority is to prevent injury by moving sharp instruments away and cushioning the patient's head — never restrain the patient or place anything in the mouth.
Which sign differentiates a hypoglycemic episode from a hyperglycemic one in a diabetic dental patient?
Answer: Rapid onset of symptoms
Hypoglycemia has a rapid onset (minutes to hours), while hyperglycemia develops slowly over hours to days; fruity breath and dry flushed skin indicate hyperglycemia.
A patient complains of sudden severe chest pain radiating to the left arm. After activating EMS, the dental hygienist should:
Answer: Place the patient in a semi-reclined position and administer oxygen
A semi-reclined (45°) position reduces cardiac workload, and supplemental oxygen is appropriate while awaiting EMS for a suspected myocardial infarction.
The epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) used for anaphylaxis in the dental office contains which concentration of epinephrine?
Answer: 1:1,000
The standard EpiPen delivers epinephrine at 1:1,000 concentration (1 mg/mL) in a 0.3 mg dose for adults.