A healthy 20-year-old becomes pale, sweaty and lightheaded, then briefly loses consciousness while seeing the local anesthetic syringe. Breathing and pulse are present. What is the most appropriate immediate management?
- Correct answer
Place the patient supine with the legs slightly elevated and check the airway
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Sit the patient upright with the head between the knees
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Give oral glucose
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Give sublingual nitroglycerin
This question is one of 15 in AFK practice: Oral surgery, trauma and orofacial pain. Test yourself on all of them.
Practice quiz FlashcardsExplanations
Vasovagal syncope is managed by positioning the patient supine with the legs raised to improve blood flow to the brain, and by maintaining the airway. Sitting the patient upright lowers blood flow to the brain even further.
Source: Malamed, Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office — oneguy
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