MFDS Part 1 - Membership of Faculty of Dental Surgery Medical Emergencies in Dentistry Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 45-year-old patient with no significant medical history develops sudden severe shortness of breath, widespread urticaria, and a rapid drop in blood pressure minutes after receiving a local anaesthetic.
What is the most appropriate immediate pharmacological intervention according to Resuscitation Council UK guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Administer 500 micrograms of adrenaline (0.5 mL of 1:1000) via intramuscular injection.

Answer

Administer 10mg of chlorphenamine via slow intravenous injection.

Answer

Administer 200mg of hydrocortisone via intramuscular injection.

Answer

Administer 2 puffs of a salbutamol inhaler.

Question 2

According to the British National Formulary (BNF) and Resuscitation Council UK guidance, which of the following is an essential emergency drug that must be available in a UK dental practice for the management of a prolonged convulsive seizure (status epilepticus)?

Accepted Answer

Midazolam oromucosal solution

Answer

Adrenaline 1:1000 injection

Answer

Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) spray

Answer

Glucagon injection kit

Question 3

A conscious and coherent patient with type 1 diabetes reports feeling shaky, sweaty, and confused during their appointment. A capillary blood glucose test confirms a reading of 3.2 mmol/L. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

Accepted Answer

Provide 15-20g of a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as a glucose drink or tablets.

Answer

Administer 1 mg of glucagon via intramuscular injection.

Answer

Administer the patient's own insulin.

Answer

Call 999 for an ambulance immediately.

Question 4

A patient suddenly loses consciousness in the dental chair and begins a tonic-clonic seizure. Which of the following actions is the most important immediate priority for the dental team?

Accepted Answer

Note the time the seizure started and protect the patient from injury.

Answer

Insert a bite block or prop between the teeth to protect the tongue.

Answer

Attempt to restrain the patient's convulsive movements.

Answer

Immediately administer buccal midazolam.

Question 5

The General Dental Council (GDC) endorses the quality standards for medical emergencies set by the Resuscitation Council UK. What piece of equipment must be immediately accessible in all clinical areas of a primary dental care facility?

Accepted Answer

An automated external defibrillator (AED)

Answer

A pulse oximeter

Answer

A glucometer

Answer

An emergency tracheostomy kit

Question 6

According to General Dental Council (GDC) standards, what is the minimum number of people who must be available to deal with a potential medical emergency when dental treatment is planned to take place?

Accepted Answer

Two.

Answer

One, provided they are a GDC registered dentist.

Answer

Three, including one non-clinical member of staff to call emergency services.

Answer

One GDC registrant and one first-aid trained receptionist.