ADEX Dental Hygiene Managing Medical Emergencies Questions and Answers

Question 1

An anxious 19-year-old patient begins to breathe rapidly during a prophylaxis and complains of tingling in their fingers and lightheadedness.
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial management step?

Accepted Answer

Coach the patient to slow their breathing and cup their hands over their mouth.

Answer

Administer 100% oxygen via a non-rebreather mask.

Answer

Place the patient in a supine position with feet elevated.

Answer

Immediately call for emergency medical services (EMS).

Question 2

A patient with a known history of Type 1 diabetes suddenly becomes confused, weak, and their skin feels cold and clammy. They are conscious and able to swallow. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Provide a source of easily digestible sugar, such as orange juice or glucose tablets.

Answer

Administer an injection of glucagon.

Answer

Administer the patient's own insulin.

Answer

Monitor vital signs and wait for symptoms to resolve.

Question 3

During a procedure, a patient suddenly loses consciousness and begins to experience tonic-clonic movements in the dental chair. Which of the following is the primary and most appropriate immediate response?

Accepted Answer

Lower the chair, clear the area of hazards, and roll the patient onto their side.

Answer

Attempt to firmly restrain the patient's movements to prevent injury.

Answer

Place a padded tongue depressor in the patient's mouth to prevent them from biting their tongue.

Answer

Immediately begin chest compressions and call for an AED.

Question 4

A patient experiences a rapid onset of wheezing, diffuse hives (urticaria), and a sudden drop in blood pressure immediately after application of a topical anesthetic. What is the single MOST critical medication to administer first?

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular (IM) epinephrine.

Answer

An oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine.

Answer

An albuterol inhaler.

Answer

An intravenous corticosteroid.

Question 5

While being raised to an upright position after a long appointment, a patient reports feeling dizzy and lightheaded. Their face appears pale. Before they lose consciousness, what is the FIRST and most critical action to take?

Accepted Answer

Immediately return the patient to a supine position with their feet slightly elevated.

Answer

Administer aromatic spirits of ammonia.

Answer

Offer the patient a sugary drink.

Answer

Take the patient's blood pressure and pulse.

Question 6

You are assessing a 68-year-old male patient who suddenly slurs his speech, complains of a severe headache, and exhibits drooping on the right side of his face. After calling 911, what is the MOST critical piece of information to obtain for the emergency medical team?

Accepted Answer

The exact time the symptoms first started.

Answer

The name of the patient's cardiologist.

Answer

A list of the patient's allergies.

Answer

The time of the patient's last meal.

An anxious 19-year-old patient begins to breathe rapidly during a prophylaxis and complains of tingling in their fingers and lightheadedness.Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial management step?

An anxious 19-year-old patient begins to breathe rapidly during a prophylaxis and complains of tingling in their fingers and lightheadedness.
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial management step?