Management of Common Medical Emergencies Flashcards
Factors that Increase the Likelihood of Emergencies
- Increased number of medically
compromised individuals seeking care - Medical advances in drug therapy
- Longer appointments
- Increased use of drugs in oral healthcare
settings
Prevention
- Comprehensive health history and risk
assessment - Treatment Modification
- Documentation
Health Assessment
Vital Signs
Health History
- Past and present health status
- Problems a patient might not be aware of
- List of medications names and dosages
What are common signs of anxiety in dental patients?
*Sweating
*Increased blood pressure and heart rate
*Restlessness
*Nervous conversation
*History of cancelled appointments
*Only seeking ER care.
What are some effective stress reduction strategies for anxious dental patients?
*Building rapport
*Clear communication
*Minimizing wait time
*Scheduling short morning appointments
*Pain control
*Providing follow-up care.
Physical Status Classification
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
ASA I
(green): normal health
ASA II
(yellow): mild disease/extreme anxiety
ASA III
(yellow): severe disease
ASA IV
(red): disease threatens life
ASA V
(red): near death
ASA VI
(red): moribund
How should dental personnel be prepared for emergencies?
Trained to recognize and assist in emergencies.
What training should dental personnel have for emergency situations?
- BLS, CPR, AED
- Drills
What is the role of the emergency kit in the dental office?
Should be readily available and include necessary supplies to manage emergencies and summon EMS, directing them to the scene.
What are the contents of the Emergency Kit
- Epinephrine
- Histamine blocker
- Nitroglycerin
- Bronchodilator
- Oral glucose
- Aspirin
- Pulse oximeter
What are common causes of unconsciousness in dental patients?
Vasovagal syncope and orthostatic hypotension.
What are common respiratory distress emergencies in dentistry?
Hyperventilation, asthma, and allergy/anaphylactic reactions.
What are common causes of altered consciousness in dental patients?
Hypoglycemia and seizures.
What are the signs of chest pain emergencies in dentistry?
Angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction.
What is vasovagal syncope?
“Simple fainting,” a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness with a maintained pulse.
How does vasovagal syncope typically present?
The patient experiences a sudden loss of consciousness, but their pulse remains steady.
What are the signs and symptoms of syncope?
Pallor, light-headedness, and sweating.
How should you treat syncope in the dental office?
*Lay the patient supine
*Elevate their lower extremities
*Monitor vital signs.
Should ammonia ampules be used to treat syncope?
They are unnecessary
What should you do if syncope symptoms do not resolve?
Call 911 for emergency medical assistance.
How can you identify a patient at risk for syncope?
Patients prone to anxiety or those using anti-anxiety medications are at higher risk.
How should you position a patient to prevent syncope during treatment?
Keep the patient supine, especially during anesthesia administration.
What should you avoid to prevent syncope in patients?
Do not allow patients to change posture rapidly, especially elderly patients.
When is syncope not just “syncope”?
When the cause is more serious, such as a stroke, acute cardiovascular event, drug overdose, or hypo/hyperglycemia.
Other causes of altered consciousness:
– Vasovagal reaction
– Stroke
– Acute cardiovascular
event
– Self-induced drug
overdose
– Hypo- or
hyperglycemia