3. Anxiety

Question 1

What can be used as premedication to aid anxiety management before dental treatment?

Answer 1

Oral dose of a benzodiazepine

Question 2

Why are we weary to prescribe benzodiazepines?

Answer 2

Benzodiazepines are addictive and susceptible to abuse and therefore only the minimum number of tablets required should be prescribed.

Question 3

What advise do we give to patients before prescribing benzodiazepine?

Answer 3

They will require an escort and that they should not drive.

Question 4

What can be prescribed to aid anxiety management?

Answer 4

1x 5mg Diazepam tablet taken 2 hours before procedure.

The dose of diazepam can be increased to 10mg if necessary.

Question 5

Can diazepam be prescribed for children?

Answer 5

NO!
not recommended because it has an unpredictable effect in children

Question 6

What is the dose of diazepam for elderly or debilitated patients?

Answer 6

Halve the dose for elderly or debilitated patients.

Question 7

What are the components of the NEWS scoring system?

Answer 7

1. Respiration rate (per minute)
2. SpO2 scale (%)
3. Air or oxygen?
4. Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)
5. Pulse (per minute)
6. Consciousness
7. Temperature

Question 8

What is ASA I?

Answer 8

Healthy

Question 9

What is ASA II?

Answer 9

Mild systemic disease with no functional limitation

Question 10

What is ASA III?

Answer 10

Severe systemic disease with functional limitation

Question 11

What is ASA IV?

Answer 11

Severe systemic disease - constant threat to life

Question 12

What is ASA V?

Answer 12

Moribund patient - unlikely to survive 24 hours with or without operation