DAANCE Office Anesthesia Emergencies 2

Question 1

The initial management of a dental patient experiencing an acute asthmatic attack unresponsive to their own rescue inhaler is:

Accepted Answer

Administer epinephrine 0.3 mg IM and activate EMS if severe

Answer

Severe bronchospasm unresponsive to beta-2 agonist inhaler requires epinephrine IM and EMS activation, as the patient may be progressing to status asthmaticus.

Question 2

Laryngospasm is BEST distinguished from bronchospasm during sedation by:

Accepted Answer

High-pitched inspiratory stridor and complete or partial upper airway closure

Answer

Laryngospasm typically presents with high-pitched inspiratory stridor (partial) or silent chest with no airflow (complete closure) - an upper airway finding, unlike the expiratory wheeze of bronchospasm.

Question 3

During IV sedation, a patient develops lip swelling, urticaria, and wheezing 10 minutes after cefazolin administration. The FIRST drug to administer is:

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM (1:1000)

Answer

The clinical picture (urticaria plus angioedema plus bronchospasm after antibiotic) is anaphylaxis. Epinephrine IM is the FIRST and most critical intervention.

Question 4

A patient develops a vasovagal syncope episode during local anesthetic injection. The FIRST action is:

Accepted Answer

Place the patient in Trendelenburg position (supine with legs elevated)

Answer

Trendelenburg positioning restores cerebral perfusion by increasing venous return to the heart. This, combined with discontinuing the procedure, resolves most vasovagal episodes.

Question 5

A patient with known coronary artery disease develops chest tightness and diaphoresis during dental sedation. After positioning and administering supplemental oxygen, the NEXT priority is:

Accepted Answer

Activating EMS and administering aspirin 325 mg chewable if not contraindicated

Answer

Suspected AMI requires immediate EMS activation, aspirin administration, and nitroglycerin if appropriate. Do not delay EMS to wait and see.

DAANCE - Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination Practice Test

DAANCE - Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination Practice Test

DAANCE Office Anesthesia Emergencies 2