DAANCE Post-Anesthesia Care and Recovery Management

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) in a dental office setting?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring patients until they meet discharge criteria

Answer

Billing and insurance processing

Answer

Preparing equipment for the next procedure

Answer

Consulting with referring dentists

Question 2

Which scoring system is commonly used to assess a patient's readiness for discharge after sedation/anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Aldrete Score

Answer

Glasgow Coma Scale

Answer

ASA Classification

Answer

APGAR Score

Question 3

After sedation, a patient's oxygen saturation drops to 92% on room air. What is the first intervention?

Accepted Answer

Apply supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula or mask

Answer

Administer epinephrine

Answer

Discharge the patient immediately

Answer

Administer IV fluids

Question 4

Which of the following is a common sign of emergence agitation in a recovering pediatric dental patient?

Accepted Answer

Crying, thrashing, and inconsolable behavior disproportionate to pain

Answer

Calm and cooperative behavior

Answer

Increased appetite

Answer

Normal respiratory rate

Question 5

What is the minimum acceptable oxygen saturation (SpO2) for a patient to be considered for discharge after dental anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

94% or greater (typically ≥95%)

Answer

85%

Answer

88%

Answer

100%

Question 6

A patient begins vomiting in the recovery area after IV sedation. What is the most important immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Position the patient upright or in lateral decubitus to prevent aspiration

Answer

Administer more sedation

Answer

Discharge the patient quickly

Answer

Administer an anticoagulant