Angina

Question 0

How should chest pain that is severe and new be managed in the dental practice?

Answer 0

1) Call 000
2) Give oxygen
3) 300mg aspirin chewed or dissolved before swallowing
4) Monitor vital signs and reassure patient until medical help arrives
5) If patient loses consciousness, initiate basic life support (DRSABCD)

Question 1

How should angina be managed in the dental setting for a patient with a history of angina?

Answer 1

Ensure that the patient with a history of angina brings their medications (glyceryl trinitrate spray or tablets) to the appt.

1) Cease dental treatment
2) measure blood pressure and heart rate, assess consciousness by talking to patient.
3) to shorten attack, give 400mg of glyceryl trinitrate spray sublingually to a maximum of 3 times or 600mg glyceryl trinitrate tablets sublingually to a max of 3 times.
4) Ask patient to sit or lie down
5) If patient recovers, dont continue dental treatment. Patient should be medicallly evaluated.
6) If pain persists after 10 minutes and 2 doses, manage as severe and new chest pain.