Chapter 4 - Syncope

During which stage of syncope would the patient complain of being dizzy and hot? A. Syncope B. Presyncope C. A and B D. None of these

B. Presyncope.

Which of the following conditions would be considered a psychogenic factor of syncope? 1. Hunger 2. Fear 3. Pain 4. Poor Heath A. 1, 2, 3 B. 1, 2 C. 2, 3 D. 3, 4

C. 2, 3.

Which of the following are sign(s) of the syncope stage? 1. Cold sweat 2. Nausea 3. Dilated pupils 4. Dizziness A. 2, 4 B. 1, 3 C. 3 D. 1

C. 3.

What are some symptoms of presyncope?

Dizziness; nausea; feeling warm.

True or False: Nonpsychogenic factors are the most common causes of syncope in the dental office.

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

True or False: Since the patient is unconscious, it is not important for the dental team to remain calm while treating syncope.

False. Since the patient is unconscious, it is vitally important for the dental team to remain calm while treating syncope.

True or False: The patient may leave the office immediately after recovering from syncope.

False. The patient should not be moved until his or she is completely recovered from syncope, and he or she must be escorted home.

True or False: Syncope is a loss of consciousness due to an increase in the flow of blood to the brain.

False. Syncope is a loss of consciousness due to a decrease in the flow of blood to the brain.

Supine Position

Lying horizontally on the back.

Hunger, poor health, and remaining in an upright position for a long period of time are considered _____ factors.

Nonpsychogenic.

Psychogenic

Psychological causes of a condition

True or False: While treating syncope, pregnant patients should be placed on their side before elevating their feet.

True.

State, in order, the treatment of syncope.

1. Remain calm. 2. Place patient in Trendelenburg position (or if patient is pregnant, on her side). 3. Maintain open airway. 4. Use ammonia capsule. 5. Administer oxygen. 6. Monitor vital signs. 7. Make patient comfortable. 8. Record all information in patient chart.

Placing a patient in the supine position with the feet elevated is known as the _____ positon. A. Trendeleburg B. Prone C. Recovery D. Syncope

A. Trendelenburg

An _____ capsule may be cracked and passed quickly back and forth under the patient's nose for one or two seconds to help stimulate breathing.

Ammonia.

What are some signs of syncope?

Death-like appearance; shallow, gasping breathing; dilated pupils; possible convulsive movements; possible loss of bladder control.

True or False: A good treatment for syncope is to have the patient place his or her head between the knees.

False. A good treatment for syncope is to place the patient in Trendelenburg postion.

Presyncope

First stage of syncope. Stage prior to the actual loss of consciousness.

What are some signs of presyncope?

Pale in colour; cold sweat.

Nonpsychogenic

Physical, nonpsychological causes of a condition.

Trendelenburg Position

Position in which the patient is supine with the feet higher than the head.

Fear, pain, emotional upset, and anxiety are considered _____ factors.

Psychogenic.

True or False: During presyncope, there is a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in pulse rate.

True.

True or False: Fear is an example of a psychogenic factor.

True.

True or False: If presyncope is recognized and treated properly, most instances of syncope can be prevented.

True.

True or False: Once a patient has experienced syncope, he or she is a likely candidate for it to recur.

True.

True or False: Syncope is a life-threatening condition.

True.

True or False: The ammonia capsule should not be left in place for an extended period of time, as it can irritate the nasal membranes and cause difficulty breathing.

True.

The purpose of the ammonia capsule is to: A. Burn the nasal passages. B. Stimulate breathing. C. Provide 100% oxygen. D. None of the above.

B. Stimulate breathing.

The main cause of syncope is: A. Hunger. B. Stress. C. Excitement. D. Overactivity.

B. Stress.

Syncope

Fainting. A loss of consciousness caused by a decrease in the blood flow to the brain.

Syncope is most often caused by some form of _____.

Stress.

The most common life-threatening emergency that may be experienced in the dental office is _____.

Syncope.