BLS - Vasovagal Syncope

Question 1

What is vasovagal syncope?

Answer 1

Vagus nerve overstimulates, causes sudden temporary loss of consciousness.

Question 2

What are typical symptoms of this?

Answer 2

Stress or emotional shock

Pain

Standing too long

Seeing blood or needles

Question 3

What does ABCDE stand for in a medical emergency?

Answer 3

A - Airway
B - Breathing
C - Circulation
D - Disability
E - Exposure/Everything Else

Question 4

A - Airway Approach?

Answer 4

Check for:
Clear airway?
Wheezing
Snoring
Blockage?

Question 5

B - Breathing Approach

Answer 5

Check for:
Respiratory rate (Normal is 12-20)
> 25 is dangerous
SPO2 (Normal is >96%)
Below is dangerous
Chest equally expansive during respiration?

Question 6

C - Circulation Approach?

Answer 6

Check for:
Pulse rate and Strength. 60-100bpm is normal >100 is dangerous
Blood pressure 120/70, outside of this is dangerous

Question 7

D - Disability Approach?

Answer 7

ACVPU - Alert, Confusion, Verbal, Pain, Unconscious
Record blood glucose, <4mmols means hypoglycaemic

Question 8

If patient feels anxious and begins to appear pale, how would you approach the patient?

Answer 8

Approach with ABCDE

Question 9

4 main reasons why patients faint at the dentist?

Answer 9

1.) Anxiety
2.) Pain
3.) Low blood glucose
4.) Hypotension leading to hypoxia

Question 10

What steps would you take to help prevent loss of consciousness (LOC) due to vasovagal syncope?

Answer 10

• Reassure the patient
• Give glucose
• High flow O2
• Drink water (for patient)
• Patient in supine position to
  address hypotension.

Question 11

If a patient faints from vasovagal syncope, how would you manage the situation?

Answer 11

Open airway, assess breathing
Supine position
Give O2 at 15 litres/min via non re-breather mask
Recovery position (maintain patient airway)
Reassure patient upon awakening + glucose

Question 12

Which approach do you use for a patient fainting?

Answer 12

DRSABC - Danger, Response, Send Help, Airway, Breathing, CPR

Question 13

Walk through DRSABC Briefly

Answer 13

D - Look if area is safe for yourself, casualty.
R - Shake shoulders “Can you hear me?”
S - Call 999 or ask someone to do so.
A - Check airway, tilt head back
B - Check breathing for up to 10 seconds
C - Perform CPR, 30 chest compressions with two breaths each cycle.