ADAP Dental Emergencies and First Aid

Question 1

What is the FIRST action a dental assistant should take when a patient experiences syncope (fainting) in the dental chair?

Accepted Answer

Lower the chair to a supine position with legs elevated

Answer

Administer oxygen immediately

Answer

Call 911 right away

Answer

Give the patient a glass of water

Question 2

Which drug is the MOST critical emergency medication to have available in the dental office for treating anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Answer

Nitroglycerin

Answer

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Answer

Aspirin

Question 3

A patient suddenly develops chest pain radiating to the left arm and jaw during a dental procedure. Which emergency is MOST likely occurring?

Accepted Answer

Myocardial infarction

Answer

Panic attack

Answer

Hyperventilation syndrome

Answer

Postural hypotension

Question 4

What is the NORMAL resting adult respiratory rate range that a dental assistant should know when assessing a patient?

Accepted Answer

12–20 breaths per minute

Answer

6–10 breaths per minute

Answer

22–28 breaths per minute

Answer

30–36 breaths per minute

Question 5

A diabetic patient becomes shaky, sweaty, and confused during treatment. What is the FIRST intervention?

Accepted Answer

Give oral glucose such as orange juice or glucose gel

Answer

Administer insulin immediately

Answer

Call 911 before doing anything else

Answer

Have the patient breathe into a paper bag

Question 6

During a dental appointment, a patient suddenly has a tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure. What should the dental team do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Clear the area of hard objects and protect the patient's head

Answer

Insert a bite block to protect the airway

Answer

Restrain the patient to prevent injury

Answer

Administer oxygen via mask immediately

Question 7

Which vital sign reading in an adult dental patient would indicate a hypertensive emergency requiring immediate attention?

Accepted Answer

180/120 mmHg or higher

Answer

120/80 mmHg

Answer

140/90 mmHg

Answer

160/100 mmHg