Emergency Care Flashcards
Why is it so important for DHCPs to understand how to provide care in a medical emergency?
Everything we do in the dental office can provide a stress response that may trigger a medical emergency
What are the first steps we can take with our patients to prevent a medical emergency?
Review medical history
Observe the patients gait, speech, motor skills etc. as they enter the operatory
Look for psychological signs like stress, anxiety and fear
If you are concerned about anything, consult their physician prior to treatment
What should be included in the training all personnel receive for emergencies?
Basic life support
Team review on how an emergency should be handled
CE on how to manage and recognize an emergency
Action plan
Emergency equipment maintenance
What emergency phone numbers should be posted by all phones in the office?
EMS
Fire
Police
Poison Control
Nearest ER
Clear instructions to give responders to access the office
What equipment should be included in the emergency kit?
Basic first aid kit
Emergency drug kit
Portable O2 w/ mask
Blanket
Backboard
Thermometer
Cold packs
Stethoscope
BP cuff
AED
What color is the O2 tank? What size should it be?
Always green
At least a size E or M24- or anything that can provide continuous O2 for 30 min
What is included in the emergency drug kit?
Epinephrine injectable 1:1,000
Histamine blocker injectable
Nitroglycerin
Bronchodilator
Glucose
Aspirin
Who is responsible for knowing how to administer the drugs in this kit as well as dosages, indications and contraindications?
The dentist
What needs to be documented after every emergency?
Record treatment provided (types and amt. of local anesthesia, general or nitrous)
Date and time of emergency
Description
Time EMS was contacted and arrived
Drugs administered
Condition when patient left
Individuals present
-Patient drug regimens is crucial information to have when administering anesthesia and emergency meds
What are some indications for the administration of oxygen?
Syncope
Acute asthma attack
Anaphylaxis
Epilepsy
CPR
Why do we not provide O2 to a hyperventilating patient?
They are already getting more than enough oxygen- CO2 is needed to ofset the amoutn of O2
Equipment used in the administration of oxygen
O2 face mask/nasal cannula w/ O2 reservoir and tubing
Portable O2 cylinder
Flow rate of 10L/min for up to 30 min
O2 cylinder key
Pulse oximeter (measures O2 saturation in RBCs)
How do we administer O2 so an unconscious or conscious but breathing patient?
O2 administered through a nasal cannula (6LPM) or non-rebreather bag (10-15lpm)
Seat theem in a semi-supine or upright position if conscious
How do we administer O2 to an unconscious patient?
Bag-valve mask
10-15 lpm
Supine position
What do we need to check before administering O2?
That the tank has enough pressure (no less than 200psi)
Make sure it is on
Adjust flow rate depending on mask being used
Verify flow (listen for hiss)
Place delivery device on patient
Provide necessary care
