Emergencies & Records - Final Test Questions Flashcards
What colour is an oxygen tank?
Colour coded green
What is the function of an oxygen regulator?
Control gas flow / oxygen flow.
Reduces the high tank pressure from 2000 psi to a safe range of 50 psi
What is the function of oxygen tubing?
Connects the oxygen tank at the gauge regulator to the face mask.
Allows delivery of oxygen.
Name two types of oxygen delivery systems.
Non-rebreather mask (full mask with bag)
Nasal cannula (inserted into nostril only)
Simple mask (full mask only)
- Document the steps of oxygen administration that a dental assistant can perform.
-preparing and checking oxygen equipment,
-selecting mask size and placing the mask on the tubing,
-having the patient put on the mask and adjust the fit,
-tightening the tubing once the mask is comfortable for the patient, and
-assisting with observing, documenting and reporting the patient’s condition
THEY MAY NOT: set, start or adjust flows and or ratios of oxygen, or
place the face mask on a patient
Describe myocardial infarction (MI).
HEART ATTACK - Death of the myocardium results when the blood supply to the heart is significantly reduced or occluded.
List the signs and symptoms of MI.
-Chest pain ranging from mild to severe
-Pain in the left arm, the jaw, and the teeth
-Shortness of breath and sweating
-Nausea and vomiting
-Pressure, aching, or burning feeling of indigestion
-Generalized feeling of weakness
List the recommended steps to manage a patient experiencing a MI.
-Call for emergency assistance (9-1-1).
-Position the patient semi-upright comfortable position.
-Monitor vital signs
-Administer oxygen if needed.
-Ready aspirin and nitroglycerin from the emergency kit.
-Initiate basic life support (CPR) if the patient becomes unconscious.
-Document emergency
What is the cause of angina pectoris?
This medical emergency is associated with insufficient blood supply to the myocardium and is usually due to the narrowing of coronary arteries (atherosclerosis). Other causes include coronary vasospasms, thrombus or anemia (a condition in which there is an inadequate supply of hemoglobin to carry oxygen). Angina pectoris is usually aggravated by exercise, tension, cold weather, or a large meal.
What medication can relieve angina pectoris?
Nitroglycerin
List the recommended steps when managing a patient with angina pectoris.
Call for emergency assistance (9-1-1).
Position the patient semi-upright comfortable position.
Monitor vital signs
Ready nitroglycerin (tablets, spray, or topical cream) from emergency kit.
Administer oxygen if needed.
Document emergency
Describe postural hypotension.
Postural hypotension is a decrease in blood pressure. It occurs due to an abrupt change in position such as suddenly standing or sitting erect. It can also be caused by standing motionless in a fixed position and is common for the elderly and pregnant women. It can cause dizziness, syncope, blurred vision. If postural hypotension does occur treat as syncope.
What is syncope?
Is a transient loss of consciousness due to reduced blood flow to the brain
List possible cause of syncope.
Anxiety/panic attack, overheating, dehydration…
What are the signs and symptoms of presyncope?
feeling warm or flushed
nausea
rapid heart rate
perspiration
pallor (pale skin colour)
lower blood pressure
What can a dental assistant do if a patient is feeling faint?
If the patient has not fainted yet but tells you they feel like fainting: Lie the patient down in the supine position and elevate their legs.
List the recommended steps to manage a patient experiencing syncope.
If fainting has occurred place the patient supine/subsupine position and elevate their legs slightly.
Complete head tilt/jaw thrust to open airway.
Loosen binding clothing.
Evaluate oxygen level. If below 94%, administer 100% oxygen.
Have ammonia inhalant (smelling salts) ready to be administered.
Monitor and record the patient’s vital signs.
If unresponsive, call for emergency assistance (911)
Document emergency
Describe the term seizure
An involuntary, sudden change in sensation, behaviour, muscle activity or level of consciousness resulting from overactive brain cells.
What is an allergy?
An allergic reaction is a sensitivity to an allergen. There are 4 main types of allergic reactions; type I, type II, type III, and type IV. For the purpose of our studies, we will familiarize ourselves with type III and type 1.
What is the difference between a mild allergic reaction and an anaphylactic reaction?
Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is a severe life-threatening form of an allergic reaction. A common/mild allergic reaction consists of itching, skin redness (erythema) and hives (no respiratory reaction or shock).
List possible reasons a patient may experience a seizure.
Epilepsy *A chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures with or without a loss of consciousness
High fever
Head injury
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (stroke)
Alcohol or drug withdrawal
Hypoxia
Hypoglycemia
Central nervous system infections
Brain Tumors
What are the signs and symptoms of a generalized seizure?
There are various stages of a generalized seizure. Each individual that experiences seizures may not go through all of the stages. The following outlines the general signs and symptoms of a generalized seizure (grand mal):
Unconsciousness
* Increased body temperature
* Rapid heart rate
* Increased blood pressure
Define hypo and hyperglycemia.
Hypo = An abnormally low blood sugar level.The brain relies on a continuous supply of glucose. When levels drop below normal function, the brain will be affected.
Hyper= An abnormally high blood sugar level
In a diabetic patient, a serious condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) may result when glucose levels become excessively high and the body has too little insulin. This is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication associated with Type I diabetes.
List the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia develop suddenly and progress rapidly, usually within minutes.
* Mood changes
* Hunger
* Perspiration
* Increased anxiety
* Possible unconsciousness
List the recommended steps to manage a patient experiencing hypoglycemia.
If the patient is conscious, ask when he or she last ate, whether he or she has taken insulin, and whether he or she brought insulin along to the dental appointment.
Give oral glucose from emergency kit or a concentrated form of carbohydrate, such as a concentrated orange juice or soda pop. PURPOSE These substances will be absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream.
Call for emergency assistance (9-1-1) if necessary.
Provide basic life support (CPR) if the patient becomes unconscious.
Monitor vital signs.
Document emergency
Describe the term cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
A stroke is the interruption of the blood flow to the brain. If the interruption of the blood flow is long enough, damage to the brain may occur
List the signs and symptoms of a CVA.
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
List the recommended steps to manage a patient experiencing a CVA.
Call for emergency assistance (9-1-1).
Place patient in a semi-sitting position with head elevated.
Monitor vital signs
Initiate basic life support (CPR) if the patient becomes unconscious.
Document emergency
How can dental offices prevent patients from experiencing an obstructed airway during a dental appointment?
Airway obstructions can be prevented by:
* Using a high volume evacuator (HVE).
* Using a rubber dam.
* Tying ligatures on a rubber dam clamp.
* Using a throat pack (gauze placed at the base of the throat) during sedation surgical procedures.
* Positioning the client upright to prevent airway obstructions when taking a dental impression.
What are the possible types of asthma?
Possible Causes
Extrinsic (Allergic):
Dust, pollen, or other irritants in the atmosphere
Often seasonal
Occurs most often in children and often clears up after adolescence
Intrinsic (Nonallergic):
Most common in adults
Not due to allergic reactions
Non-seasonal
What are the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack?
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Increased anxiety
- Pallor
- Cyanosis (bluish skin around the nails)
- Increased pulse rate
List the recommended step in managing an asthma attack.
Asthma can be managed with attempts to improve oxygenation, relieve bronchospasms and improve ventilation.
Call for assistance.
Position the patient as comfortably as possible (upright is usually best).
Have patient self-medicate with an inhaler.
Administer oxygen as needed.
Monitor vital signs.
Document emergency response
What is hyperventilation?
Hyperventilation is characterized by deep rapid breathing patterns (above 20 breaths a minute). It results from the overabundance of carbon dioxide in the body when a patient breathes too rapidly. This can be dangerous because it can cause alkalosis, affecting the homeostasis of a body.
List possible causes of hyperventilation.
- Psychological
o Anxiety
o Stress - Medical
o ASA overdose
o Head injury
Name three ways that a drug can be identified.
-Chemical name – the atomic or molecular structure of the drug
-Generic Name – the shorthand version of the drug’s chemical name, structure, or formula; a name that any business firm may use
-Brand name/trade name – controlled by pharmaceutical company as a registered trade mark
Give an example of a drugs brand name and generic name.
Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin are brand names of the generic ibuprofen
How are drugs classified in Alberta, according to how they can be dispensed?
Patent medicines/OTC drugs – no prescription needed
Prescription drugs/ethical drugs – licensed medicines, regulated by legislation, and require a prescription (there are non-controlled & controlled-can cause a dependence)
Identify the two acts that control the use and handling of drugs in Canada.
Canada’s Food and Drug Act
Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
For AB :
Alberta’s Pharmacy and Drug Act
How long is a dental office legally required to keep an adult patient’s chart?
10 years following the last date of service to the patient
A patient is 27 years old, they were last seen in office June 4, 2004. When can the chart be destroyed?
June 3, 2014
Which statement is NOT true regarding blood pressure and protocols at SAIT?
160-199/95-100, recheck BP, continue with routine treatment (DO NOT CONTINUE WITH TREATMENT)
The characteristics of a pulse are..
rate, rythym, quality
A generic name of a drug:
is the name given by manufacture before it becomes official, should be used when referring to a speific pharmaceutical agent
Common antibiotics used in a dental office are:
erythromycin and penicillin
An anticoagulant is a drug used:
to prevent blood clots
is commonly used for patients with cardiovascular diseases
Heart arrhythmias can be defined as:
abnormal pattern of the hearts rythum
Which of the following best describes a diastolic blood pressure reading?
When the ventricle is at rest and the heart is filling with blood
SYSTOLIC - BIG NUMBER - PRESSURE OUT
DIASTOLIC IS LAST NUMBER (usually lower) - everything comes in
Emphysema is:
Respiratory condition - primary caused by smoking and pollutants
Aspirin in a dental emergency kit can be used for:
a suspected myocardial infarction
Glucose in a dental office can be used for:
concious hypoglycemia - increasing blood sugars
Hypoglycemia is defined as:
abnormally low blood sugar levels
A stroke..
can cause injury or death of brain tissue
can be caused by hemmorrhage due to rupture of trauma of a blood vessel
can be caused by a blood clot
Signs and symptoms of a seizure may include..
loss of consciousness and hallucinations
hepatitis causes inflammation of .
the liver
an example of an opoid drug is
codeine
when creating legal chart entries, which statement is correct:
write neatly & clarly in permanent ink
It is okay to use your own made up terminology and abbreviations in chart entries - true or false?
FALSE
What is NOT apart of the privacy laws relating to dentristry in AB?
Freedom on Information and Speech Act
FOIP, HIA, PIPA .. IS!
Which statement is true regarding blood pressure
systolic - highest number, recorded when heart is contracted
True or False: A person can request a copy of their personal health records at any time
True
Normal Range of resipiration in an adult is…
12-20 bpm
3 ways to obtain temperature in a dental office are..
orally, tympanic (ear), under arm, forehead
At what psi level should an oxygen take be replaced?
500 PSI
When must a complete health history be completed by a patient?
At first appointment and every 4 years aftewards
What colour tank is nitrous oxide stored in?
Blue
The portion of the oxygen eqipment that allows the dentist to determine the amount of oxygen delivered is..
flow valve
True or False: At SAIT, the dental assistant can place a red start on the front patient chart indicating a medical alert
FALSE - the Dentist must do this
How long should a patient wait after a heart attack before having dental treatment?
6 months
Which statement is NOT true regarding why an accurate health history is essential prior to dental treatment?
Aids in determining the patient’s social status
Who does FOIP apply to and what is its purpose?
Public bodies & their employees
-legislates the collection, use, and disclosure of personal info (not health info)
Who does HIA apply to and what is the pupose?
Applies to custodians and their affiliates and the health information held by custodians (Alberta)
legislates the collection, use and disclosure of health info
Who does PIPEDA apply to and what is its purose?
sets national stands for privacy practices in the private sector (Federal)
protecting personal information
Who does PIPA apply to and what is its purpose?
appies to provincially regulated private sector organizations (Alberta)
-governs the means by which private sector organizations handle personal information