DAANCE Patient Monitoring Techniques 5

Question 1

A patient sedated with nitrous oxide/oxygen begins showing signs of dysphoria and restlessness. The MOST appropriate immediate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Decrease the nitrous oxide concentration and increase oxygen

Answer

Dysphoria and restlessness during nitrous oxide sedation indicate an adverse reaction; reducing N2O and increasing O2 is the first corrective step.

Question 2

Which parameter is MOST useful for detecting early airway obstruction in a sedated patient?

Accepted Answer

Capnography waveform

Answer

Capnography detects changes in ventilation before SpO2 drops, making it the earliest indicator of airway obstruction.

Question 3

During moderate sedation monitoring, the assistant notes a sudden drop in heart rate to 42 bpm in an adult patient. This finding is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

A vasovagal episode

Answer

Profound bradycardia accompanied by hypotension is classic for a vasovagal episode, often triggered by pain, anxiety, or needle phobia.

Question 4

The correct cuff size for NIBP monitoring requires that the bladder width cover approximately what percentage of the patient's upper arm circumference?

Accepted Answer

50–80%

Answer

The AHA recommends that the bladder width cover 40% and the bladder length cover 80% (approximately 50–80%) of the arm circumference for accurate readings.

Question 5

Which of the following signs of airway obstruction would be detected by a precordial or pretracheal stethoscope but NOT by pulse oximetry alone?

Accepted Answer

Snoring or stridor breath sounds

Answer

Snoring and stridor are auditory signs of partial airway obstruction detectable via stethoscope before oxygen saturation falls on pulse oximetry.

DAANCE - Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination Practice Test

DAANCE - Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination Practice Test

DAANCE Patient Monitoring Techniques 5