Medical Emergencies · single question
A young patient develops drowsiness and low blood pressure shortly after a dental injection. What is the MOST likely emergency?
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Correct answer: B. Vasovagal syncope
- A. Incorrect. Anaphylaxis typically presents dramatically with urticaria, angioedema, and bronchospasm in addition to hypotension.
- B. Correct. Vasovagal syncope (the MOST COMMON dental emergency) presents with transient hypotension, bradycardia, pallor, diaphoresis, and drowsiness/fainting — commonly triggered by the injection stimulus or anxiety. Classic presentation.
- C. Incorrect. Hypoglycemia causes trembling, sweating, and confusion — not directly triggered by an injection.
- D. Incorrect. Intravascular injection with epinephrine causes TACHYCARDIA and HYPERTENSION — not low BP and drowsiness.
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