Preventing Emergencies
What is one way to prevent an emergency in the dental clinic?
Review the patient’s health history before treatment.
What is syncope? What is the first action if a patient loses consciousness due to syncope?
Syncope means fainting or passing out. Place the patient in a supine position with feet elevated
What do the letters BLS stand for?
Basic Life Support
What is the most commonly used drug in dental office emergencies
Oxygen
This vital sign is measured in beats per minute and reflects heart activity
Pulse
Why is it important to review the medical history before treatment?
It helps find risks or allergies that could cause an emergency.
What is the appropriate position for a hyperventilating patient?
Upright position with calm verbal reassurance
What is the compression-to-breath ratio in adult CPR
30:2 - 30 compressions to 2 breaths
Which drug is used to treat anaphylaxis
Epinephrine
What is the average oral body temperature range?
97.6-99 Degrees Fahrenheit
Name one health condition that can cause a dental emergency.
Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, etc.
A patient breaks out in hives and has facial swelling. What type of emergency is this? What’s the best response if a patient has a suspected anaphylactic reaction?
Allergic reaction; Administer epinephrine and call 911 immediately
What device is used to restore normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest?
AED
Which medication is used during chest pain due to angina?
Nitroglycerin
Why is a patient’s medical history critical before any dental treatment?
To identify allergies, medications, and medical conditions that may affect treatment
How can communication with patients help prevent emergencies?
Talking with patients helps you understand their fears and symptoms.
What should you do if a patient has a seizure?
Move items away, don’t put anything in the mouth, keep airway open.
What is the first step in assessing an unconscious patient in a dental chair?
Check for responsiveness and breathing
What drug should be administered during a hypoglycemic emergency?
Glucose
What does an alert sticker in a dental record indicate?
Medical condition or allergy requiring special attention
Why is it important to take vital signs before treatment?
To check the patient’s health and avoid medical problems.
During a procedure, a patient reports chest pain and pressure that radiates to the jaw but says it feels similar to past episodes. This is the condition you should suspect and the medication you should administer.
You find a patient unresponsive and not breathing with no pulse. You’re alone. These are your first steps.
Call for help, start CPR, direct someone to get the AED quickly, and direct someone to call 911
List all 6 essential emergency drugs recommended by the ADA.
Oxygen, epinephrine, nitroglycerin, albuterol, glucose, diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and aspirin
What are the two numbers called in a blood pressure reading?
Systolic and Diastolic pressures