special care

Question 1

why may a patient with learning difficulties not be suitable for inhalation sedation

Answer 1

1. requires written consent - are they capable of this, AWI in place?
2. patients must understand commands e.g breathe through nose with mouth wide open, are they capable?

Question 2

advantages and disadvantages of inhalation sedation in special care patients

Answer 2

advantages - useful for anxiety relief, rapid recovery time, flexible duration
disadvantages - nasal hood must be in place constantly, coordination of nose breathing when mouth open, less muscle relaxation

Question 3

advantages and disadvantages of intravenous sedation in special care patients

Answer 3

advantages - good sedation achieved, muscle relaxation, less co operation than inhalation
disadvantages - baseline readings needed, IV cannulation needed, fully metabolised in liver, interactions with medications possible, behaviour in recovery, swallowing efficacy

Question 4

advantages and disadvantages of oral/transmucosal sedation in special care patients

Answer 4

advantages - no cannulation, use as a ‘pre drug’
disadvantages - baseline readings, difficult to monitor level of sedation, bitter taste

Question 5

why are patients with swallowing difficulties not good candidates for conscious sedation

Answer 5

if they cant swallow normally this will only get worse when sedated
dentistry relies on swallow and gag reflex

Question 6

what new drug is being trialled for sedation
broken down faster than midazolam and isnt fully broken down by the liver

Answer 6

remimazolam