DAANCE - Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination Office Anesthesia Emergencies Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient under deep sedation suddenly develops a high-pitched inspiratory stridor, exhibits paradoxical chest movement (a "rocking" pattern), and has a rapidly decreasing oxygen saturation.
These signs are most characteristic of which airway emergency?

Accepted Answer

Laryngospasm

Answer

Bronchospasm

Answer

Aspiration of foreign body

Answer

Hyperventilation

Question 2

While monitoring a sedated patient with a history of asthma, the dental anesthesia assistant notes the capnography waveform has changed from its normal rectangular shape to one resembling a "shark fin." This change is most indicative of what respiratory event?

Accepted Answer

Bronchospasm

Answer

Partial airway obstruction by the tongue

Answer

Esophageal intubation

Answer

Apnea

Question 3

Minutes after IV drug administration, a patient develops diffuse hives, respiratory distress, and a blood pressure drop to 70/40 mmHg. Which medication is the most critical and immediate first-line treatment for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular Epinephrine 0.3-0.5 mg

Answer

Intravenous Diphenhydramine 50 mg

Answer

Intravenous Dexamethasone 8 mg

Answer

Albuterol inhaler, 2 puffs

Question 4

A patient undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane develops masseter muscle rigidity, tachycardia, and a sudden, sustained rise in end-tidal CO2 that does not respond to increased ventilation. Which of the following emergencies should be suspected?

Accepted Answer

Malignant Hyperthermia

Answer

Anaphylaxis

Answer

Adrenal crisis

Answer

Thyroid storm

Question 5

Shortly after receiving several injections of local anesthetic, a conscious patient becomes agitated and complains of tinnitus, a metallic taste, and circumoral numbness. These are classic early signs of which systemic emergency?

Accepted Answer

Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST)

Answer

Vasovagal Syncope

Answer

An allergic reaction to epinephrine

Answer

Hyperventilation syndrome

Question 6

A sedated diabetic patient who took their morning insulin but was NPO for a procedure becomes tachycardic, diaphoretic, and confused. If this patient is unable to take anything by mouth, what is the most appropriate immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Checking a finger-stick blood glucose and administering IV dextrose or IM glucagon

Answer

Administering a rapid IV fluid bolus of normal saline

Answer

Administering supplemental oxygen via a non-rebreather mask

Answer

Administering an anti-anxiety medication like midazolam