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