Office Emergencies (Deluke) Flashcards
(25 cards)
When considering emergencies in the dental office what should the focus be on?
- Prevention
2. Preparedness
What is a major way to avoid the pandemonium common in an office emergency?
Run mock drills and keep records of them
What is a preventive measure with each patient to decrease the likelihood of an emergency?
Take and review medical history prior to each procedure
If the patient takes nitroglycerin, and begins to have chest pains, when should the decision be made to transport the patient?
- Complaint changes from just chest pain
- Chest pain is not relieved with nitroglycerin (up to 3)
- Deteriorating vital signs
What are 2 preventive measure to avoid emergency in a patient with chest pains prior to dental treatment?
- Have the patient take prophylactic nitroglycerin
2. Put patient on O2 for procedure
What is a common device used for the prevention of foreign body aspiration?
Throat screen
What should you be prepared to do in a possible aspiration?
- Heimlech maneuver
2. Cricothyroidotomy
If a patient has pallor, perspiration, beads on the palate, a slow and weak pulse, and a low BP, what are they getting ready to do?
Faint / syncope
What would heighten a syncope episode to where you are thinking it is not just syncope?
- Patient does not recover quickly
2. Patient has an underlying history (e.g. MI)
What are 7 differential diagnoses for a patient in an altered state of consciousness?
- Vasovagal reaction
- Stroke
- Acute cardiovascular event
- Self-administered drug overdose
- Hypo or hyper glycemia
- Uncontrolled hypothyroidism
- Anaphylactic shock
If you happen upon someone unconscious, what are your first steps?
- Basic first aide
- Defibrillate
- Compressions
- Airway
- Breathing
If there is no pulse on the patient, what do you do?
Chest compressions
What are 2 main drugs for managements of allergic reactions?
- Epinephrine 0.5-1mg
2. Benedryl 25-50 mg
Are steroids primary management for allergic reaction?
No. Secondary.
A diabetic patient with nausea, diaphoresis, and tachycardia would be in what state: hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia?
Hypoglycemia
A diabetic patient that might have previous symptoms as well as fruity breath from ketones would be in what state: hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia
What is the difference with the symptoms and outcomes of diabetic hypoglycemia versus hyperglycemia?
The patient usually recognizes hypoglycemia symptoms but may not recognize their hyperglycemia symptoms which can put them on the way to a diabetic coma.
What are questions to ask to help avoid a seizure in a patient with a history of seizures?
- Last seizure
2. Medication
A patient is having sudden weakness in the face and arm, especially unilaterally, or the sudden onset of confusion, and trouble speaking. They could have a disturbance in their gait, a severe headache with no apparent cause, or visual changes. They may be experiencing what?
A atroke
What is critical for responding to a stroke?
- Activate EMS
- Support with oxygen
- Early intervention is key
What should a labile asthmatic do prior to dental treatment?
Take a hit off their inhaler
Every GP emergency kit should have what inhaler type?
Albuterol
What are the disadvantages of the prepackaged emergency kit?
Not made by the office, so not as familiar with content
What is indicated if the office is doing sedation?
Require a more comprehensive emergency kit
