DAANCE Airway Management and Oxygen Therapy

Question 1

What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in a sedated dental patient?

Accepted Answer

Tongue falling back against the posterior pharynx

Answer

Sedation-induced muscle relaxation causes the tongue to fall posteriorly and obstruct the pharynx, making it the most common cause of airway obstruction.

Question 2

Which oxygen delivery device can provide the highest inspired oxygen concentration (up to 90–100%)?

Accepted Answer

Non-rebreather mask

Answer

A non-rebreather mask with a reservoir bag and one-way valves delivers 90–100% O2 at flow rates of 10–15 L/min by preventing exhaled air from mixing with the oxygen supply.

Question 3

The head-tilt chin-lift maneuver opens the airway primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Extending the neck and displacing the tongue anteriorly

Answer

Tilting the head back and lifting the chin extends the cervical spine and moves the tongue forward, relieving posterior pharyngeal obstruction.

Question 4

At what SpO2 level should supplemental oxygen intervention typically be initiated during dental sedation?

Accepted Answer

Below 95%

Answer

An SpO2 below 95% falls outside the normal range and signals the need for supplemental oxygen to prevent progression to clinically significant hypoxia.

Question 5

Which airway adjunct is contraindicated in a conscious or semiconscious patient who retains a gag reflex?

Accepted Answer

Oropharyngeal airway (OPA)

Answer

An OPA placed over the tongue in a patient with an intact gag reflex stimulates gagging and vomiting, creating an aspiration risk.

DAANCE - Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination Practice Test

DAANCE - Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination Practice Test

DAANCE Airway Management and Oxygen Therapy