ADEX Management of Medical Emergencies 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Clear the area and time the seizure while protecting the airway

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Status epilepticus requiring immediate EMS activation

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Administer oral glucose and activate EMS

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Fruity acetone breath

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX Management of Medical Emergencies 3