NHS Dental Contracts & Medical Emergencies Flashcards

What is the initial management of an anaphylactic reaction in a dental surgery?

Answer: Call 999, administer IM adrenaline 0.5 mg (500 mcg) 1:1000, lie flat with legs elevated, give oxygen

Anaphylaxis management follows the Resuscitation Council algorithm: call 999, administer IM adrenaline 0.5 mg (1:1000) to the anterolateral thigh, position (supine/legs elevated unless breathing difficulty), and give high-flow oxygen.

What is the correct dose of aspirin in the management of a suspected myocardial infarction in a dental practice?

Answer: 300 mg dispersible aspirin orally (if not contraindicated)

300 mg dispersible aspirin (chewed or dissolved) is the recommended dose for suspected MI, providing rapid antiplatelet effect while awaiting emergency services.

What is the recommended management of hypoglycaemia in a conscious diabetic patient in the dental surgery?

Answer: 15–20 g of fast-acting carbohydrate orally (e.g., glucose gel, sugary drink), repeat if no improvement in 15 min

Conscious patients with hypoglycaemia can swallow; 15–20 g of rapidly absorbed oral carbohydrate (glucose gel, 150–200 ml fruit juice) is the first-line treatment, repeated after 15 minutes if no improvement.

What drug and dose is used for an acute asthma attack not responding to a salbutamol inhaler in a dental practice?

Answer: Repeat salbutamol puffs (10 puffs via spacer), call 999, give oxygen, and consider IM adrenaline if severe

For acute severe asthma: 10 puffs of salbutamol via spacer (100 mcg per puff), high-flow oxygen, call 999; if anaphylaxis-related or life-threatening, IM adrenaline is indicated.

What is the correct management of a patient who collapses with a witnessed cardiac arrest in a dental surgery?

Answer: Call 999, start CPR (30:2), use the AED as soon as available, continue until help arrives

Cardiac arrest management: call for help/999 immediately, commence CPR at 30:2, attach and use the AED as soon as available, and continue until emergency services arrive.

What emergency drug must all dental practices in the UK stock according to Resuscitation Council and GDC guidelines?

Answer: Adrenaline 1:1000 (IM)

Adrenaline 1:1000 for IM injection is the single most important emergency drug required in all dental practices, primarily for the management of anaphylaxis.