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Medical Emergencies · single question

A blood pressure reading of 130/100 mmHg is obtained. What should the dentist do?

  1. Proceed with treatment and schedule follow-up evaluation
  2. Cancel only surgical procedures
  3. Immediately refer to the emergency room
  4. Reschedule all dental treatment indefinitely
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Correct answer: A. Proceed with treatment and schedule follow-up evaluation

  • A. Correct. A blood pressure of 130/100 mmHg represents Stage 2 hypertension (systolic 130+/diastolic 100+). For routine dental treatment, the dentist should proceed with treatment while advising the patient to follow up with their physician for evaluation and management of hypertension. Limit epinephrine use appropriately.
  • B. Canceling only surgical procedures is appropriate for very high readings (>180/120) — at 130/100, routine procedures can proceed.
  • C. 130/100 does not constitute a hypertensive emergency — emergency referral is not warranted.
  • D. Indefinite rescheduling is overly conservative for this blood pressure level.

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