Medical Emergencies · single question
After a tooth extraction, you upright the dental chair and the patient feels lightheaded. What should you do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Supine position (lay flat)
Supine (flat/reclined) position (C) is the immediate first response to post-extraction lightheadedness/syncope. Laying the patient flat (or slightly head-down) increases cerebral blood flow by using gravity to return blood to the brain.
• Syncope (vasovagal) is the most common medical emergency in dentistry. Signs: pallor, diaphoresis, lightheadedness, bradycardia, hypotension.
• Management: Supine/Trendelenburg → monitor vital signs → cold compress to forehead → spirits of ammonia if unresponsive → oxygen if needed.
• Trendelenburg (B) = legs elevated above head. Both supine and Trendelenburg work, but for dental syncope, simply laying the chair flat is standard. Trendelenburg may be used if hypotension persists.
• Nitroglycerin (D): for angina — would worsen hypotension in syncope!
• Syncope (vasovagal) is the most common medical emergency in dentistry. Signs: pallor, diaphoresis, lightheadedness, bradycardia, hypotension.
• Management: Supine/Trendelenburg → monitor vital signs → cold compress to forehead → spirits of ammonia if unresponsive → oxygen if needed.
• Trendelenburg (B) = legs elevated above head. Both supine and Trendelenburg work, but for dental syncope, simply laying the chair flat is standard. Trendelenburg may be used if hypotension persists.
• Nitroglycerin (D): for angina — would worsen hypotension in syncope!
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