Recognition and Management of Medical Emergencies Flashcards
7 cards from real RDA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Recognition and Management of Medical Emergencies flashcards as text
A patient suddenly becomes unresponsive and has no pulse. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR performed by two rescuers?
Answer: 30:2
The AHA recommends a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR regardless of whether one or two rescuers are present.
Which of the following is the MOST common cause of syncope in the dental office?
Answer: Vasovagal response
Vasovagal syncope (neurally mediated fainting) triggered by anxiety, pain, or fear is the most frequent medical emergency in dental settings.
A patient with a known peanut allergy develops generalized urticaria, throat tightness, and hypotension after administration of a local anesthetic. What is the first-line treatment?
Answer: Intramuscular epinephrine 1:1000
Intramuscular epinephrine 1:1000 (0.3 mg in adults) into the anterolateral thigh is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.
During a procedure, a patient with a history of asthma begins wheezing and has difficulty breathing. After stopping the procedure, the NEXT step is to:
Answer: Have the patient use their bronchodilator inhaler
For a mild to moderate asthma attack in a conscious patient, the immediate step is to administer the patient's own bronchodilator (rescue inhaler).
A diabetic patient becomes pale, diaphoretic, and confused midway through treatment. Blood glucose is unavailable. The MOST appropriate initial action is to:
Answer: Give oral glucose such as orange juice or glucose gel
For a conscious hypoglycemic patient, oral carbohydrates (orange juice, glucose gel, candy) should be given immediately to raise blood sugar.
Which position is MOST appropriate for a patient experiencing an acute asthmatic episode in the dental chair?
Answer: Upright or semi-reclined
An upright or semi-reclined position eases breathing by reducing pressure on the diaphragm and improving lung expansion during an asthma attack.
A patient reports crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm and jaw. Nitroglycerin is administered sublingually but pain persists after 5 minutes. What is the correct next step?
Answer: Activate EMS (call 911) immediately
If chest pain persists after one nitroglycerin dose, EMS must be activated immediately as this indicates a likely myocardial infarction.