StreamDent

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All Emergencies - Basic life support principles:

  1. Maintain an airway
  2. Assess breathing
  3. Monitor circulation
Monitor and record all vital signs.
Syncope

Presyncope:

Signs/symptoms (early):

  1. Pallor (pale)
  2. Nausea
  3. Diaphoresis (sweating)
  4. Patient feels bad, faint
  5. Pupils dilate
  6. Tachycardia (heart rate increases)

 

Signs/symptoms (late):

  1. Yawning
  2. Hyperpnea (rapid breathing)
  3. Bradycardia (decreased heart rate)
  4. Rapid decrease in blood pressure

 

Treatment:

  1. Recognize signs & symptoms.
  2. Discontinue dental treatment
  3. Position patient - supine, with feet elevated 10-15 degrees
    - not with head lower than chest
  4. Aromatic ammonia (crush between fingers, have pt. inhale)
  5. Administer oxygen
  6. After patient recovers:
    • Treatment may resume if both patient & Dr. agree.
    • Determine cause of episode
  7. If patient loses consciousness, click here: Unconsciousness

 

VASODEPRESSOR SYNCOPE:

Signs & Symptoms: Lack of response to sensory stimulation

Treatment:

  1. Position patient - supine, with feet elevated 10-15 degrees
    - not with head lower than chest
  2. Basic life support:
    • Airway: Assess & maintain (usually necessary); Oxygen prn
    • Breathing: Assess; usually not necessary
    • Circulation: Assess; usually not necessary
  3. Response: Patient "pinks up" with positioning & airway, consciousness returns rapidly (+/- 10 seconds)
  4. Emergency medical assistance not necessary if patient recovery within +/- 10 seconds.
  5. Recovery: Requires up to 24 hours to fully recover; patient feels "flu-ish", lethargic, achy, prone to syncope

 

After patient recovers:

  1. Discharge from office: Do not permit patient to leave unescorted.
  2. Determine cause of episode
  3. Modify future treatment












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