module 2 Flashcards
(52 cards)
What is a drug overdose reaction?
When blood drug levels become too high, causing toxic effects, mainly in the brain and heart.
What systems are most commonly affected by a drug overdose reaction?
The central nervous system and the cardiovascular system.
When do most overdose reactions occur after drug administration?
Within the first 5 minutes, so the provider should stay with the patient after
What defines a rapid onset adverse drug reaction?
Occurs within seconds to 1 minute, usually due to intravascular injection.
What defines a slow onset adverse drug reaction?
Occurs after 10 minutes or more, due to high total dose or fast absorption.
Name patient-related predisposing factors to an adverse drug reaction.
Age, weight, liver/kidney disease, psychological state, sex, environment, genetics.
Name drug-related predisposing factors to an adverse drug reaction.
Dose, injection rate, vasoconstrictors, route, and site vascularity.
What percentage of people are less responsive or hyper-responsive to a drug?
16%
What percentage of people respond to drugs as expected?
68%
Why is body weight very important in drug dosage?
Dosage is calculated based on weight; underestimating it increases overdose risk, especially in children and elderly.
Which body tissue handles drugs better: lean or adipose?
Lean body mass
How does vascularity affect drug absorption?
Higher vascularity = faster absorption = greater overdose risk.
Why is the oral cavity a high-risk area for drug absorption?
It has high vascularity, leading to fast systemic absorption.
What are the key steps to avoid an adverse drug reaction (ADR)?
Take thorough medical history
Use lowest effective dose
Use aspirating syringe
Inject slowly (1 cartridge per minute)
Choose correct anesthetic
Monitor the patient
Use vasoconstrictors
Why is gauge size important in needle selection?
It affects accuracy, safety, and breakage risk.
What are the advantages of using a lower gauge number (e.g., 25)?
Thicker, more rigid needle = less deflection, more accurate, safer for deep injections.
What are the disadvantages of higher gauge numbers (e.g., 30)?
Thinner, more flexible, higher risk of breakage.
What is the difference between signs and symptoms?
Signs: observed by clinician (e.g., muscle twitching)
Symptoms: reported by patient (e.g., dizziness)
How is overdose management different based on time of onset?
Rapid onset: Stop treatment, supine position, ABCs, oxygen, monitor, call EMS.
Slow onset: Same steps, but symptoms appear gradually and may be less severe.
What are typical causes of an overdose?
Too large a dose for age/weight
Rapid injection
Intravascular injection
High concentration solution
Lack of vasoconstrictors
Rapid absorption in vascular areas
What are the emergency steps for managing a reaction?
Recognize the problem
Stop treatment
Position patient
Reassure patient
Assess ABCs
Administer oxygen
Call for help if needed
Monitor and document
What is the hygienist’s role in managing anesthetic emergencies?
Assess risk, give anesthesia safely, recognize early signs, act fast, and communicate with the team and patient.
What are strategies to avoid an adverse drug reaction (ADR)?
Follow dosage guidelines based on weight
Choose the correct anesthetic
Aspirate before injecting
Inject slowly
Use proper needle and technique
Review medical history thoroughly
How do allergy and overdose reactions differ?
Allergy: Rare, not dose-related, symptoms like rash or breathing issues.
Overdose: Common, dose-related, affects brain and heart, may cause seizures or collapse.
