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 with epilepsy has a tonic-clonic seizure in the chair. Which action is CONTRAINDICATED during the seizure?
Answer: Placing a bite block or tongue depressor between the teeth
Nothing should be inserted into the mouth of a seizing patient; bite blocks or tongue depressors can cause injury to the patient and clinician.
Which of the following signs is MOST indicative of an impending hyperventilation episode?
Answer: Rapid shallow breathing, dizziness, and tingling in the extremities
Hyperventilation presents with rapid shallow breathing, dizziness, perioral tingling, and tingling in the hands/feet due to decreased CO2 levels.
When managing a hyperventilating patient, the dental team should FIRST:
Answer: Have the patient breathe slowly and coach calm breathing
Coaching slow, controlled breathing to raise CO2 levels is the primary treatment for hyperventilation; supplemental oxygen is not indicated.
A patient loses consciousness during a procedure. After activating EMS, the patient has a pulse but is not breathing normally. The dental team should:
Answer: Deliver rescue breaths at 1 breath every 5-6 seconds
When a pulse is present but breathing is absent or inadequate, rescue breathing at 1 breath every 5-6 seconds (10-12/min) is appropriate.
Which of the following is the MOST reliable early sign of local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST)?
Answer: Perioral numbness and metallic taste
Early CNS signs of LAST include perioral numbness, tingling, and metallic taste, which precede more severe cardiovascular and neurological effects.
A patient taking a beta-blocker for hypertension experiences anaphylaxis. The usual dose of epinephrine produces minimal response. Which additional drug should be considered?
Answer: Glucagon
Glucagon can bypass beta-receptor blockade and produce positive inotropic and chronotropic effects in patients on beta-blockers who are unresponsive to epinephrine.
During a procedure, a patient suddenly develops unilateral facial drooping, slurred speech, and arm weakness. The dental team suspects a stroke. The MOST appropriate immediate action is to:
Answer: Activate EMS and note the exact time symptoms began
EMS must be activated immediately and the exact time of symptom onset documented, as thrombolytic therapy is time-critical (within 3-4.5 hours) for ischemic stroke.