Emergency Procedures & Response Flashcards

A patient in the dental chair suddenly becomes unresponsive with no pulse. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR with two rescuers?

Answer: 30:2

For adult CPR with two rescuers, the standard ratio is 30 compressions to 2 ventilations.

Which drug is the FIRST-LINE treatment for anaphylaxis in the dental office?

Answer: Epinephrine 1:1,000

Epinephrine 1:1,000 (0.3 mg IM into the thigh) is the first-line and life-saving treatment for anaphylaxis.

A patient receiving IV sedation suddenly develops laryngospasm. Which immediate intervention is most appropriate?

Answer: Apply positive pressure ventilation with jaw thrust

Positive pressure oxygen with a tight mask seal and jaw thrust is the first maneuver to break laryngospasm.

A diabetic patient becomes diaphoretic and confused mid-procedure. Blood glucose reads 48 mg/dL. The patient can still swallow. What is the best immediate action?

Answer: Give oral glucose gel or juice

If the patient is conscious and can swallow, oral glucose (gel, juice, or candy) is the preferred first intervention for hypoglycemia.

Which finding best distinguishes a vasovagal syncope episode from a cardiac arrest in the dental chair?

Answer: Presence of a pulse

A palpable pulse differentiates vasovagal syncope (circulation intact) from cardiac arrest (no pulse).

A patient on warfarin has uncontrolled post-extraction bleeding. Which local measure should be applied first?

Answer: Apply direct pressure with gauze for 20–30 minutes

Direct pressure with gauze for 20–30 minutes is the first-line local hemostatic measure before any systemic intervention.

What is the maximum recommended dose of epinephrine in a cardiac-compromised patient during a dental procedure?

Answer: 0.04 mg

For patients with significant cardiovascular disease, the epinephrine dose should not exceed 0.04 mg per appointment.