DAANCE Anesthetic Pharmacology 4

Question 1

Which opioid used in dental sedation has the SHORTEST duration of action and is most suitable for brief procedures?

Accepted Answer

Fentanyl

Answer

Fentanyl has a very short duration of action (30–60 minutes) and rapid onset, making it ideal for short dental procedures.

Question 2

The reversal agent for benzodiazepine-induced sedation is:

Accepted Answer

Flumazenil

Answer

Flumazenil is a competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that rapidly reverses benzodiazepine sedation.

Question 3

Which local anesthetic has the LONGEST duration of action and is classified as an amide?

Accepted Answer

Bupivacaine

Answer

Bupivacaine is a long-acting amide local anesthetic with a duration of 4–8 hours, used when prolonged anesthesia is needed.

Question 4

Ketamine produces a dissociative anesthetic state primarily by antagonizing which receptor?

Accepted Answer

NMDA receptor

Answer

Ketamine blocks NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) glutamate receptors, producing dissociative anesthesia with analgesia and amnesia.

Question 5

A patient receiving nitrous oxide sedation suddenly becomes agitated and combative. The MOST appropriate initial action is to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce or discontinue nitrous oxide and increase oxygen

Answer

Agitation during nitrous oxide sedation may indicate an excitatory reaction; reducing N2O and increasing O2 is the safest first step.

DAANCE - Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination Practice Test