COM Emergency Procedures & Response 2

Question 1

A patient suddenly becomes unresponsive during an orofacial myology session. What is the FIRST action the clinician should take?

Accepted Answer

Check for responsiveness and breathing

Answer

The first step in any emergency is to assess the patient's responsiveness and breathing before initiating further action.

Question 2

Which type of seizure is most likely to require emergency medical services (EMS) activation during a therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Tonic-clonic seizure lasting more than 5 minutes

Answer

A tonic-clonic seizure lasting more than 5 minutes (status epilepticus) is a medical emergency requiring immediate EMS activation.

Question 3

A patient reports feeling light-headed and you observe them sweating profusely during a session. These signs are most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Hypoglycemic episode

Answer

Profuse sweating combined with light-headedness is a classic presentation of hypoglycemia, especially in diabetic patients.

Question 4

When a patient faints (vasovagal syncope) in the dental or therapy chair, what is the correct immediate positioning?

Accepted Answer

Supine with legs elevated

Answer

Laying the patient supine with legs elevated increases cerebral blood flow and is the standard response to vasovagal syncope.

Question 5

An orofacial myologist discovers a patient has no pulse and is not breathing. After calling 911, what should be initiated immediately?

Accepted Answer

Chest compressions at 100–120 per minute

Answer

Current CPR guidelines prioritize high-quality chest compressions at 100–120 per minute before any other intervention.

(COM) Certified Orofacial Myologist Practice Test