Question 1

McCarthy has estimated that through the effective implementation of stress reduction procedures,all but about __% of life-threatening situations in the dental office can be prevented.

Accepted Answer

McCarthy estimated that through the effective implementation of stress reduction procedures, about 90% of life-threatening situations in the dental office can be prevented, leaving only 10% that might not be preventable.

Question 2

According to Matsuura,when do most emergency situations related to dentistry occur?

Accepted Answer

Most emergency situations related to dentistry occur during or immediately following the administration of local anesthetic, as this is a time when patients may experience adverse reactions to the anesthetic or related anxiety.

Question 3

Factors that may increase the likelihood of a life-threatening emergency in the dental office include:

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic advances in the medical profession can increase the likelihood of a life-threatening emergency in the dental office because they allow patients with complex medical conditions, who previously might not have been able to seek dental care, to live longer and seek dental treatments. This increases the diversity and complexity of medical conditions that dental professionals may encounter, potentially raising the risk of emergencies.

Question 4

Monitoring of which of the following major organ systems in older patients is of particular significance for the dental practitioner?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring of the cardiovascular system in older patients is of particular significance for the dental practitioner, as older patients are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and events such as stroke or heart attack. Certain dental procedures, such as extractions and periodontal surgery, can also increase the risk of cardiovascular events in this population. Therefore, it is important to screen these patients for cardiovascular risk factors and consult with their medical providers when necessary. While monitoring other major organ systems (such as hepatic, renal, pulmonary, and central nervous) is also important, they may not be directly related to dental procedures or carry the same level of risk as cardiovascular disease in older patients.

Question 5

An entirely stress induced emergency situation that does not involve pre-existing medical conditions:

Accepted Answer

Vasodepressor syncope, also known as a fainting spell, is often triggered by a stressful or emotionally charged situation causing a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain. It does not necessarily involve a pre-existing medical condition, unlike the other options which are often linked to underlying health issues.

Question 6

The most commonly reported emergency in private practice dentistry is:

Accepted Answer

Syncope (fainting) is the most commonly reported emergency in private practice dentistry. This is typically caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure due to a variety of factors such as anxiety, stress, pain, or the sight of blood. Dental professionals should be trained to recognize the signs of syncope and respond appropriately to prevent injury to the patient.

Question 7

Each year in the United States,10% of all nonaccidental deaths occur suddenly and unexpectedly in relatively young persons believed to be in good health.The usual cause is:

Accepted Answer

Cardiac dysrhythmia, specifically ventricular fibrillation, is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in otherwise healthy individuals. Stroke and acute myocardial infarction may cause sudden death, but are more likely to occur in individuals with pre-existing conditions. Hepatic lipidosis, while a serious condition, is not a common cause of sudden death.

Question 8

The leading cause of death in persons over 65 years in the United States is:

Accepted Answer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diseases of the heart are the leading cause of death in persons over 65 years in the United States, followed by malignant neoplasms and chronic lower respiratory diseases.

Question 9

The dental treatment most commonly performed at the time of an emergency complication is:

Accepted Answer

Tooth extraction is the most commonly performed dental treatment in case of emergency complications, such as severe decay, infection, trauma or injury. It is used as a last resort when no other alternative remains.

Question 10

McCarthy estimates that _________ treatment-related deaths will occur throughout the career of the typical dental practitioner.

Accepted Answer

McCarthy estimates that one or two treatment-related deaths will occur throughout the career of the typical dental practitioner.

Quiz 1: Introduction