EMERGENCY TERMS
This term means a condition with a rapid or sudden onset.
Acute
This term refers to chest pain caused by inadequate oxygen reaching the heart muscle.
Angina
This chronic respiratory condition may cause wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing
Asthma
This neurologic disorder is characterized by recurring seizures.
Epilepsy
This term describes the redness of the skin often associated with inflammation or irritation.
Erythema
This is the loss of consciousness caused by inadequate blood flow to the brain.
Syncope
This is commonly known as a heart attack.
cute myocardial infarction
This condition involves breathing at an abnormally rapid rate
Hyperventilation
This condition refers to an abnormally low blood glucose level.
Hypoglycemia
This term refers to a person's manner or pattern of walking.
This is the act of inhaling or ingesting a foreign object or substance.
Aspiration
This emergency occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.
cerebrovascular accident, or stroke
A patient suddenly develops difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and wheezing during treatment. What condition might be occurring?
asthma attack
This condition refers to an abnormally high blood glucose level.
Hyperglycemia
This substance can trigger an allergic reaction.
Allergen
This is an involuntary muscular contraction that can occur during a seizure.
Convulsion
During a dental emergency, this device can deliver an electrical shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm.
automated external defibrillator (AED)
This emergency occurs when an object becomes lodged in the airway
A patient with diabetes becomes confused, shaky, sweaty, and weak. What condition should the dental team suspect?
Hypoglycemia
These proteins are produced by the immune system in response to a foreign substance.
Antibodies
This is a life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction that can lead to respiratory collapse and shock.
Anaphylaxis
A patient suddenly complains of severe chest pain, becomes pale and sweaty, and has difficulty breathing. What type of emergency should the dental team suspect?
cardiovascular emergency/possible myocardial infarction
A patient becomes unconscious and is not breathing normally. What emergency life-support procedure may be required?
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
A patient suddenly loses consciousness and begins having uncontrolled muscular movements. What type of emergency may be occurring?
seizure/convulsion
In a medical emergency, the dental team should recognize the emergency, activate the appropriate emergency response, and assign someone to perform this action immediately.
calling 911/emergency medical services