Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient becomes pale, nauseous, and diaphoretic immediately after local anesthesia. The most appropriate INITIAL action is to:
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Correct answer: C. Place the patient supine with feet elevated
- A. Activating EMS is premature for simple vasovagal syncope and not the first physical maneuver.
- B. Oxygen helps but positioning to restore cerebral perfusion comes first.
- C. Correct. These are classic prodromal signs of vasovagal syncope; place supine with legs elevated (Trendelenburg) to restore cerebral blood flow.
- D. Sitting the patient upright worsens cerebral hypoperfusion and can precipitate fainting.
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