Practice Test GeeksDAANCE - Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination Practice Test
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Patient Monitoring Techniques Flashcards

7 cards from real DAANCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. A patient under IV sedation suddenly develops a SpO2 reading of 88%. What is the FIRST action the dental anesthesia assistant should take?

    Answer: Check that the pulse oximeter probe is properly seated

    An artifactually low SpO2 reading should first be verified by checking probe placement before escalating to clinical interventions.

  2. Which waveform on a capnograph indicates normal ventilation during moderate sedation?

    Answer: A square-wave pattern with end-tidal CO2 of 35–45 mmHg

    A normal capnogram shows a square wave with an alveolar plateau ending at an EtCO2 of 35–45 mmHg, confirming adequate ventilation.

  3. During monitoring, you notice the patient's respiratory rate has dropped to 6 breaths per minute. Which sedation complication does this MOST likely indicate?

    Answer: Respiratory depression

    A respiratory rate below 8–10 breaths per minute is a hallmark sign of respiratory depression, commonly caused by opioid or benzodiazepine oversedation.

  4. When using a precordial stethoscope during sedation, the assistant is primarily monitoring for:

    Answer: Breath and heart sounds continuously

    A precordial stethoscope placed over the chest allows continuous auscultation of breath and heart sounds without interrupting the procedure.

  5. A patient's blood pressure reading is 158/96 mmHg before a sedation procedure. According to ADA guidelines, the appropriate action is to:

    Answer: Postpone treatment and refer the patient for medical evaluation

    A BP of 158/96 mmHg falls into Stage 2 hypertension; elective dental procedures should be deferred and the patient referred for medical evaluation.

  6. Which site provides the MOST accurate core body temperature reading in a sedated dental patient?

    Answer: Tympanic (ear)

    Tympanic temperature measurement closely reflects core temperature and is practical for use in the dental setting during sedation.

  7. During sedation, a Bispectral Index (BIS) monitor reads 45. What level of sedation does this MOST likely indicate?

    Answer: General anesthesia

    BIS values of 40–60 correspond to general anesthesia; moderate sedation typically shows BIS values of 70–85.

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