Dental Emergency Quiz

Which drug in the standard dental emergency kit is the single most time-critical agent for a patient experiencing true, life-threatening anaphylaxis?

• Diphenhydramine 50mg

• Epinephrine 1:1000

• Oxygen

• Hydrocortisone 100mg

A 65-year-old patient reports severe chest pain during a procedure. You administer sublingual Nitroglycerin (NTG). Which of the following is the next immediate action if the pain is NOT relieved after the first 5 minutes?

• Call 112 and administer a second dose of NTG.

• Reassure the patient and wait an additional 5 minutes.

• Call 112 and have the patient chew 325 mg of Aspirin.

• Administer supplemental oxygen and monitor blood pressure.

Why is the Intramuscular (IM) route, typically in the lateral thigh, the recommended administration route for epinephrine in anaphylaxis, as opposed to the Subcutaneous (SC) route?

• SC causes less pain, but IM has a more concentrated dose.

• IM injection ensures faster absorption and a quicker onset of action.

• SC is only for pediatric patients; IM is for adults.

• IM prevents potential allergic reactions to the drug itself.

Before administering Nitroglycerin (NTG) to a patient with chest pain, which are the most critical systemic contraindications you must quickly check for?

• History of Peptic Ulcer Disease.

• Systolic Blood Pressure below 100 mmHg or recent Sildenafil use.

• History of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

• Allergy to Penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Which clinical condition in an otherwise healthy patient does NOT typically require a systemic antibiotic prescription?

• Spreading odontogenic cellulitis with associated systemic signs (fever, malaise).

• Acute, localized dentoalveolar abscess where adequate drainage cannot be immediately achieved.

• Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) prior to definitive endodontic treatment.

• Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) with lymphadenopathy and fever.

An adult diabetic patient becomes dizzy, confused, and unresponsive during a procedure. After confirming hypoglycemia (glucose<70 mg/dL), what is the appropriate emergency drug and route of administration for this unconscious patient?

• Oral Glucose Gel (Buccal/Sublingual)

• Glucagon 1 mg (Intramuscular - IM)

• Dextrose 50% (IV)

• Epinephrine 0.3 mg (IM)

A patient reports taking Warfarin and has developed oral candidiasis. You consider prescribing Fluconazole. What is the most critical drug interaction consequence you must anticipate and manage?

• Reduced effectiveness of the Warfarin, increasing the risk of thrombosis.

• Antifungal resistance due to the patient's existing medications.

• Increased INR and a high risk of bleeding.

• Severe hepatotoxicity that requires immediate hospitalization.

You need a strong analgesic for a healthy patient, but he has a known history of chronic, severe Asthma and a sensitivity to Aspirin. Which common dental analgesic is absolutely contraindicated due to the potential for cross-reactivity and bronchospasm?

• Acetaminophen (500 mg)

• Codeine (30 mg)

• Ibuprofen (600 mg)

• Paracetamol (500mg)

You have controlled local bleeding after an extraction, but the patient, who is taking a mild antiplatelet medication, develops minor oozing 30 minutes later. Which non-emergency drug can you utilize as a local measure to promote hemostasis?

• Oral Clindamycin

• Tranexamic Acid mouth rinse (or soak)

• Lidocaine with Epinephrine

• Sublingual Nitroglycerin

A patient is pre-medicated with 0.25 mg of Triazolam for anxiety. The patient is also prescribed Hydrocodone for post-operative pain. This combination creates an extreme risk of:

• Serotonin Syndrome

• Acute Liver Failure

• Potentiation of CNS depression and severe respiratory distress.

• Gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.