Deck 4: Syncope

Question 1

Nonpsychogenic factors are the most common causes of syncope in the dental office.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

It is very important to remove needles, or similar items, found in the vicinity of any patient recovering from syncope, because ____.

A) if a patient feels unsteady they could accidentally injure themselves by knocking into those objects
B) the sight of those objects may cause the patient to re-experience syncope
C) if the patient vomits those objects will become contaminated
D) in rare instances the patient may become severely agitated during recovery and it is best to remove any potential weapons

Answer 2

B

Question 3

What type of capsule can be used to help stimulate the breathing of a patient who is experiencing syncope?

A) ammonia
B) sodium chloride
C) bicarbonate
D) iodine

Answer 3

A

Question 4

What is the body's initial physical response to a stress, which could result in syncope?

A) Constriction of the vascular bed causes large amounts of blood to be pumped to the muscles of the arms and legs.
B) Dilation of the vascular bed causes large amounts of blood to be pumped to the muscles of the arms and legs.
C) Constriction of the vascular bed causes large amounts of blood to be pumped to the brain.
D) Dilation of the vascular bed causes large amounts of blood to be pumped to the brain.

Question 5

What is the easiest way to prevent syncope?

A) Administer oxygen during the dental treatment.
B) Place the patient under general anesthesia during the dental treatment.
C) Take measures to alleviate fear.
D) Ensure that the patient has normal vital signs before beginning a procedure.

Question 6

Which is NOT an example of a nonpsychogenic factor?

A) poor health
B) remaining in a confined position
C) anger
D) thirst

Question 7

Which aspect of a dental treatment would make a patient vulnerable to syncope?

A) The patient must lean their head back.
B) The patient must remain stationary in the dental chair.
C) The patient must leave their mouth wide-opened.
D) The patient may have difficulty swallowing during a dental procedure.

Question 8

Another term for syncope is ____.

A) delirium
B) panic attack
C) heart murmur
D) common faint

Question 9

During syncope, the patient will exhibit a deathlike appearance.

Question 10

What happens immediately before a patient advances to the syncope stage?

A) Both the blood pressure and pulse rate increase rapidly.
B) Both the blood pressure and pulse rate drop rapidly.
C) The blood pressure drops rapidly; the pulse rate increases rapidly.
D) The blood pressure increases rapidly; the pulse rate drops rapidly.

Question 11

Once a patient has recovered completely from syncope, what is the next step?

A) An ambulance should be called.
B) The patient's primary care physician should be notified.
C) All information concerning the episode should be documented in the patient's chart.
D) The patient should be referred to a psychologist to help alleviate future anxiety.

Question 12

What is the ultimate cause of syncope?

A) The heart beats too fast.
B) The brain is deprived of adequate oxygen.
C) The arms and legs become too weak.
D) Feelings of nausea become too extreme.

Question 13

Once the signs and symptoms of presyncope are evident, there is little the dental team can do to prevent the patient from entering the full syncope stage.

Question 14

Which is NOT an example of a psychogenic factor?

A) anxiety
B) fear
C) pain
D) hunger

Question 15

If a patient experiences syncope, what position should they be placed in?

A) Trendelenburg position, which is a supine position with the feet elevated
B) Trendelenburg position, which is head down between the knees
C) Fouleberg position, which is a supine position with the feet elevated
D) Fouleberg position, which is head down between the knees

Question 16

A pregnant patient experiencing syncope should be placed on her side before elevating the feet.

Question 17

After proper repositioning, if a patient does not recover from syncope right away the next step is to make sure the patient ____.

A) responds to touch
B) responds to sound
C) has an open airway
D) has a pulse

Question 18

After a patient experiences syncope, the dental procedure in progress will need to be rescheduled.

Question 19

What are the signs of presyncope?

A) agitation and memory loss
B) shaking, pupil constriction
C) flushed cheeks, vomiting
D) pale skin, cold sweat