During an inferior alveolar nerve block, an anxious, healthy 22-year-old becomes pale and sweaty and then loses consciousness. The patient is breathing and has a palpable pulse. What is the most appropriate initial management?
- Correct answer
Place the patient supine with the legs slightly elevated
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Sit the patient upright with the head between the knees
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Administer epinephrine intramuscularly
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Give oral glucose
This question is one of 15 in AFK practice: Pharmacology, local anesthesia and emergencies. Test yourself on all of them.
Practice quiz FlashcardsExplanations
Positioning supine with the legs slightly raised restores blood flow to the brain and is the key step in managing vasodepressor syncope, followed by airway maintenance and monitoring. An upright or head-between-knees position keeps cerebral perfusion low and nothing should be given by mouth to an unconscious patient.
Source: Malamed, Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office — oneguy
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