ADEX Management of Medical Emergencies 5

Question 1

A patient experiences a hypertensive crisis (BP 185/115 mmHg) and complains of a severe headache with visual changes. What is the dental hygienist's MOST appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Discontinue treatment, position the patient upright, and activate EMS immediately

Answer

A hypertensive emergency with neurological symptoms (headache, visual changes) requires immediate treatment cessation, upright positioning to reduce cerebral pressure, and EMS activation.

Question 2

Which of the following is the MOST important initial step when any medical emergency is recognized in the dental office?

Accepted Answer

Activate the office emergency team and call for help

Answer

Activating the dental office emergency team ensures help is summoned and roles are assigned, forming the foundation of an organized emergency response before specific interventions.

Question 3

A pregnant patient in the third trimester becomes lightheaded and loses consciousness in the supine dental chair. What is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Supine hypotensive syndrome from aortocaval compression

Answer

In the third trimester, the gravid uterus compresses the aorta and inferior vena cava in the supine position, reducing venous return and causing supine hypotensive syndrome.

Question 4

When using an AED in the dental office, which action should be taken BEFORE the device analyzes the patient's heart rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Ensure no one is touching the patient

Answer

Everyone must be clear of patient contact during AED rhythm analysis and shock delivery to prevent the electrical current from passing through bystanders.

Question 5

Which of the following patients is MOST likely to have an exaggerated vasopressor response to the epinephrine in dental local anesthetic?

Accepted Answer

A patient taking a non-selective beta-blocker such as propranolol

Answer

Non-selective beta-blockers block beta-2 vasodilatory receptors, leaving alpha-1 effects of epinephrine unopposed, potentially causing severe hypertension and reflex bradycardia.

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX Management of Medical Emergencies 5