Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient begins seeing bright flashing lights during a dental appointment. There is NO chest pain and NO neurological symptoms. What is the FIRST appropriate action?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Administer oxygen
Flashing lights (visual aura) without chest pain or neurological symptoms most likely represents migraine aura. Without classic cardiac/stroke symptoms, nitroglycerin and aspirin are NOT indicated. First supportive step: oxygen and monitoring. Source confirms oxygen is the initial action; 'No dolor en ningún lugar, no síntomas como para' suggests this is NOT a cardiac event.
- A. CORRECT. Oxygen — initial supportive measure. Flashing lights without chest pain/neuro deficits = likely migraine aura. Monitor and support.
- B. Aspirin is for suspected MI — no chest pain, premature.
- C. Nitroglycerin is for angina/chest pain — no chest pain here. Contraindicated.
- D. EMS activation is appropriate if symptoms escalate to cardiac/stroke — premature for isolated visual aura.
Practice Medical Emergencies questions Medical Emergencies study notes