CDC Emergency Procedures & Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- 15:2
- 30:2 (Correct answer)
- 15:1
- 30:1
Correct answer: 30:2
For adult CPR with two rescuers, the standard ratio is 30 compressions to 2 ventilations.
Question 2: Which drug is the FIRST-LINE treatment for anaphylaxis in the dental office?
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Epinephrine 1:1,000 (Correct answer)
- Hydrocortisone
- Albuterol inhaler
Correct 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.
Question 3: A patient receiving IV sedation suddenly develops laryngospasm. Which immediate intervention is most appropriate?
- Administer 100% oxygen via nasal cannula
- Apply positive pressure ventilation with jaw thrust (Correct answer)
- Administer succinylcholine IV
- Perform emergency tracheotomy
Correct 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.
Question 4: 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?
- Administer glucagon IM
- Give oral glucose gel or juice (Correct answer)
- Call 911 immediately
- Administer 50% dextrose IV
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which finding best distinguishes a vasovagal syncope episode from a cardiac arrest in the dental chair?
- Pale, moist skin
- Loss of consciousness
- Presence of a pulse (Correct answer)
- Drop in blood pressure
Correct answer: Presence of a pulse
A palpable pulse differentiates vasovagal syncope (circulation intact) from cardiac arrest (no pulse).
Question 6: A patient on warfarin has uncontrolled post-extraction bleeding. Which local measure should be applied first?
- Administer vitamin K IV
- Apply direct pressure with gauze for 20–30 minutes (Correct answer)
- Pack with oxidized cellulose and suture
- Transfuse fresh frozen plasma
Correct 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.
Question 7: What is the maximum recommended dose of epinephrine in a cardiac-compromised patient during a dental procedure?
- 0.01 mg
- 0.04 mg (Correct answer)
- 0.1 mg
- 0.2 mg
Correct answer: 0.04 mg
For patients with significant cardiovascular disease, the epinephrine dose should not exceed 0.04 mg per appointment.
CDC Emergency Procedures & Response 2
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?