Medical Emergencies in Dental Practice James G. Green, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.D. Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery University of Florida College of Dentistry
Medical Emergencies When you prepare for emergencies, they cease to exist! Malamed
Medical Emergencies You have to have seen it to recognize it. Green’s Rule
Medical Emergencies In case of an office emergency, the first procedure is to take your own pulse. House of God Rule #3 (modified)
Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office Hyperventilation 29% Seizures 20% Hypoglycemia 14% Vasodepressor syncope 11% Postural hypotension 7% Asthma 7% Angina 5% Allergy 5%
Medical Emergencies Office preparation Emergency procedure manual Define each individual’s responsibilities Standardize equipment and train employees on location, set-up, function and use Establish a regular maintenance schedule and equipment checks
Medical Emergencies Office preparation Practice emergency procedures Identify problems Demonstrates capabilities Set-up and use of equipment Improve performance Determine additional needs
Medical Emergencies Office preparation Post emergency numbers on or around each telephone
Medical Emergencies Office preparation Determine equipment needs Dependent upon: Training Skills Patient base Practice type Types of emergencies frequently seen
Medical Emergencies Emergency protocols Develop treatment protocols for each common dental office emergency Post where easily retrieved Write in simple and easily followed step-by-step instructions
Airway Management It is essential that every practitioner be able to: 1. Maintain an airway 2. Manage an upper airway obstruction
Physical Evaluation Main purpose is to estimate the risk or probability of a patient having an emergency during treatment
Airway Evaluation Body habitus Status of dentition Retrognathia Size of Neck Short, muscular neck Height and weight Status of dentition Full dentition vs. edentulous Protruding central incisors Retrognathia
Airway Evaluation High arched palate with long narrow mouth Trismus or TMJ disease Cervical mobility Distance from chin to thyroid cartilage
Mallampati Airway Classification
Airway Angles
Airway Angles
Airway Angles
Airway Obstruction Most common cause Tongue Treat by jaw thrust or chin lift - head tilt maneuver
Tongue Obstruction
Head Tilt - Open Airway
Airway Obstruction Other causes Foreign bodies Treat by retrieving foreign body Finger sweep Heimlich maneuver Chest thrust
Darwin Award Nominee - 1998 Phillipsburg, NJ An unidentified 29 year old man choked to death on a sequined pastie he orally removed from an exotic dancer. The dancer referred to only as “Ginger” said, “She didn’t know he was going to eat it.”
Airway Obstruction Other causes Laryngospasm Suction hypopharynx Positive pressure ventilation Succinylcholine (if experienced) Cricothyroidotomy (if experienced)
Airway Obstruction If unable to clear obstruction by standard measures within 4-5 minutes: Emergent cricothyroidotomy
Neck - Topographical Anatomy
Anterior Neck Anatomy
Anterior Neck Anatomy
Cricothyroid Membrane
Airway Adjuncts Oropharyngeal airways Nasopharyngeal airways Mask-to-mouth airway Bag valve mask with reservoir
Airway Adjuncts Nasopharyngeal airways
Airway Management Nasopharyngeal airways Length - nose to tragus of ear Size - little finger (guide) Insertion Lubrication Position
Surgilube
Nasopharyngeal Airway
Airway Adjuncts Oropharyngeal airways
Airway Management Oropharyngeal airways Unconscious patients only!! Correct size Age Insertion Position
Oropharyngeal Airway
Mouth-to-Mask Airway
Mouth-to-Mask Airway
Mouth-to-Mask Airway
Bag Valve Mask
Bag Valve Mask Reservoir
Bag Valve Mask
Bag Valve Mask
Airway Management Ambu bag Experience Practice Volume How many dentists does it take to use an Ambu bag?
Airway Adjuncts Oxygen All patients with medical emergencies need oxygen No distress – 2 L/m via nasal cannula Mild distress – 5-6 L/m via face mask Moderate to severe distress – 10 L/m via face mask with reservoir Unconscious – 100% via intubation
Oxygen
Oxygen Masks Nasal cannula Face mask Face mask with reservoir 1-6 L/m 24-44% oxygen Face mask 8-10 L/m 40-60% oxygen Face mask with reservoir 10 L/m ~100% oxygen Venturi mask 24, 28, 35, 40% oxygen
Airway Management Nasal cannula Mask with reservoir Readily accepted Mask with reservoir Poorer acceptance Mask-to-mouth device Separate provider from patient Oxygen inlet valve Clear mask Seal
Airway Adjunct Paper bag
Airway Adjuncts Yankauer Suction
Resuscitation ABCs Airway Breathing Circulation Assess for airway obstruction Assess for respiratory arrest Circulation Assess for cardiac arrest
Resuscitation CPR BLS designed to maintain circulation of oxygenated blood to the heart and brain until definitive medical treatment can restore normal or sufficient heart and ventilatory function Rapid EMS response with early ACLS required for best chances of survival
Resuscitation Most cardiac arrest victims have ventricular fibrillation Supports early use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) or manual defibrillators
Resuscitation Ventricular fibrillation Only treatment is defibrillation 90% of patients with V-fib survive neurologically intact if treated with defibrillation within 1-2 minutes Success of resuscitation decreases linearly with each minute (50% - 4-5 minutes, <10% - 9 minutes) Converts to asystole in minutes
Resuscitation Survival of other cardiac arrest rhythms poor (~ 85 % die)
Case Scenario An 14 year old female presents for routine restorative dentistry. She has never had a cavity diagnosed until today. She is in your office and will need two simple Class I restorations.
Case Scenario Past Medical History Medications: None Allergies: None PSH: None ROS: Noncontributory
Case Scenario Prior to the injections you note she is sighing frequently. During the injections, she yells that it hurts and starts crying. She becomes panicky and inconsolable. Two minutes later she starts complaining of midsternal chest pain.
Case Scenario What is your diagnosis?
Case Scenario Five minutes after the injections, she becomes unconscious.
Hyperventilation
Causes of Hyperventilation Anxiety Most common Metabolic conditions Pain Metabolic acidosis Drug intoxication Hypercapnia CNS disorders
Predisposing Factors Anxiety Age Most common Age 15 - 40 years of age No sex difference May develop with other medical conditions
Case Scenario What is the pathophysiology of this “minor” emergency?
Pathophysiology Increased respiratory rate causes: Acute decrease in PaCO2 and rise in blood pH Cerebral vessels constrict Unconscious Decreased PaCO2 depresses Apnea respiratory drive When PaCO2 rises and pH decreases, the patient will begin breathing again May repeat cycle
Case Scenario What other physical signs and symptoms assist in making the diagnosis?
Hyperventilation Signs Symptoms Tachypnea Tachycardia Unconsciousness Dizziness Lightheadedness Chest pain Palpitations Numbness Lips, extremities SOB Nausea / Pain
Case Scenario How do you treat it?
Management Terminate procedure Position patient Calm patient Rebreathing bag Sedation
Case Scenario A 25 year old male construction worker presents for removal of his third molars. He has 4 erupted thirds which you feel you can remove without difficulty or sedation. He has come from a job site. The outside temperature today was 103 F. He passed up his usual beers after work with his buddies.
Case Scenario PMH: Meds: None Allergies: None Illnesses: None PSH: ORIF of left femur fracture from a motorcycle accident ROS: Noncontributory
Case Scenario During administration of local anesthesia, he becomes jittery, pale and diaphoretic. He appears anxious and disoriented.
Case Scenario What is your differential diagnosis? Be specific! What would you do first? What is your treatment?
Case Scenario Vital signs BP - 80/40 P – 80 regular R – 14
Case Scenario After your treatment, he recovers sufficiently to allow you to do the extractions. The case goes well and after the procedure, the assistant sits him up and he again becomes faint and dizzy. A half hour later, you need to go home. You put him in a wheelchair and your assistant takes him to his car.
Case Scenario His girlfriend who met him at your office will drive him home. When he stands up to get into the car, he passes out.
Case Scenario What is your differential diagnosis? Be specific! How does treatment for this differ from your previous treatment? How can you differentiate clinically between these two types?
Syncope
Syncope Syncope and death are the same – except that in one you wake up. Anonymous
Syncope The sudden transient loss of consciousness Usually < 1 minute
Syncope Incidence Presyncope - Universal Syncope - 50% Syncope accounts for ~ 3% of all ER visits and may account for up to 6% of hospital admissions
Syncope Definitive diagnosis of syncope is made in only about 50% of case. ER physicians can make a definitive diagnosis in only ~ 25% of cases 25% of all patients referred to cardiologist for cardiac work-up have syncope and not cardiac disease
Pathophysiology of Syncope Lack of oxygen and blood to the brain Nonspecific with multiple causes Lack of glucose to the brain Seizure activity
Causes of Syncope Cardiac Peripheral vascular Cerebrovascular Hyperventilation Hypoglycemia Seizures
Seizures and Syncope Difficulty is determining whether the seizure caused the faint or the faint caused the seizure Generalized clonic jerks result from cerebral anoxia Can’t rely on tongue-biting and urination
Seizures and Syncope Evaluate by history Abrupt loss of consciousness with simultaneous tonic-clonic seizure activity with a slow recovery phase Suggests seizure Syncope – rapid recovery
Cardiac Events and Seizures Most remediable cause of seizures Most lethal cause of seizures 3 broad catagories: Rhythm disturbances Ventricular outflow obstruction Myocardial ischemia
Arrhythmias and Syncope Often difficult to prove Usually requires a heart rate of >150 or <40 beats per minute
Ventricular Outflow and Syncope Aortic stenosis Prevalvular Postvalvular Mitral stenosis Tumors (rare)
Vasovagal Syncope Most commonly observed potentially life-threatening emergency seen in the dental office
Vasovagal Syncope Synonyms Simple faint Swoon Vasodepressor syncope Psychogenic syncope Neurogenic syncope
Precipitating Factors Psychogenic Fright Anxiety Emotional stress Pain Site of Blood
Precipitating Factors Nonpsychogenic Prolonged sitting or standing Hunger Exhaustion Poor physical condition Hot humid crowded environment
Early Signs Feeling of warmth Loss of color (pale) Sweating Nausea Faint Tachycardia Normal BP
Late Signs Yawning Cold Dizziness Rapid breathing Pupillary dilation Hypotension Bradycardia Loss of consciousness
Stages Presyncope Syncope Postsyncope
Presyncopal Management Terminate treatment Protect patient from falling Trendelenberg position Oxygen if necessary
Syncopal Management Trendelenberg position Protect the airway Monitor vital signs Oxygen
Postsyncopal Management Discontinue treatment Determine cause of event Treat appropriately Arrange for patient to be taken home by relative or friend when stable or to hospital
Recurrent Syncope Look for other causes May need hospitalization Orthostatic Seizures Cardiac TIA Hypoglycemia Hyperventilation May need hospitalization
Case Scenario A 55 year old female presents for dental implants with IV sedation.
Case Scenario PMH: Medications: None Allergies: None Illnesses: None PSH: None
Case Scenario An IV is started and she is given Versed and Fentanyl initially. She receives 1 g of Kefsol IV as antibiotic prophylaxis and 2 minutes later complains of itchy skin, develops a diffuse patchy rash, watery eyes and a runny nose. She feels nauseated and complains of stomach cramps.
Case Scenario What is your diagnosis?
Allergy
Allergy Hypersensitivity state Requires exposure to antigen Body develops antibodies to antigen Re-exposure to antigen elicits reaction
Allergy Variable reactions Dermatological (most common) Respiratory Nasal / Pulmonary CNS CV Generalized anaphylaxis (rare)
Type I Reaction IgE-mediated Immediate response Affects 10% population Inherited tendency
Type I - Antigens Drugs most commonly associated with allergic reactions PCN Sulfa derivatives Narcotics ASA NSAIDS
Case Scenario What are some of the common dermatological manifestations of allergic reactions?
Dermatological Reactions Urticaria Wheal and flare Pruritis Angioedema Conjunctivitis Rhinitis Rarely life-threatening if sole reaction May be first indication of a more generalized reaction to follow
Case Scenario What are the available treatments for dermatological signs of allergic reactions?
Treatment Dermatological reactions Delayed (> 1 hour) Benadryl 50 mg PO q 6 h for 3-4 days Immediate (< 1 hour) Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM or SC Benadryl 50 mg IM Transfer to ER
Case Scenario You give the patient Benadryl 50 mg IV and 20 minutes later she starts to wheeze and complain of shortness of breath. Her blood pressure is slowly decreasing. What should you do now?
Bronchospasm Treatment Terminate therapy Position patient to comfort Oxygen 5-6 liters/minute via cannula or mask Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM or SC or Medihaler-epi q 5 minutes as required Benadryl 50 mg po q 6 h for 3-4 days Start an IV (if capable) and give NS Call 911
Respiratory Reactions Bronchospasm Dyspnea, wheezing, flushing, cyanosis, diaphoresis, tachycardia, anxiety, accessory muscle use Laryngeal edema Stridor or crowing May be indication of a developing generalized reaction
Laryngeal Edema Tx Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM or SC q 5 minutes prn Maintain airway Oxygen 5-6 liters/minute by face mask Start IV (if capable) with NS Benadryl 50 mg IM or IV Solucortef 100 mg IM or IV Cricothyroidotomy (if necessary)
Case Scenario You can’t find your emergency drug kit. The patient is now confused and uncooperative. His BP is 70/0 and his HR is 140. What should you do?
Generalized Anaphylaxis BLS Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM or IV q 5 minutes prn Oxygen Monitor VS q 5 minutes
Generalized Anaphylaxis Usually rapid onset (5 to 30 minutes, occasionally delayed for hours) Respiratory and cardiovascular problems predominate and occur early in the reaction Death can occur in minutes
Local Anesthetics Esters >>> Amides Antigenic components Overall incidence very, very low No esters available in dental cartridges Antigenic components Parabens - PABA, Methylparabens Metabisulfite Bisulfites
Local Anesthetics Allergy History Must try to differentiate between true allergy, overdose, intravascular injection, vasoconstrictor reaction or idiosyncratic reaction Requires good dialogue history with patient If questionable history, refer to allergist
Penicillin 2.5 million people allergic Allergic reaction reported in 5-10% of patients receiving penicillin Fatal reaction in 1 per 100,000 Most frequent cause of generalized anaphylaxis in dental practice
Chest Pain
Chest Pain Origin Cardiac Pulmonary Musculoskeletal Neck, thorax, shoulder Upper abdominal viscera
Chest Pain Classification Recurrent Severe Mild to moderate intensity Prolonged pain
Recurrent Chest Pain Angina pectoris Musculoskeletal Most important but not the most frequent cause of recurrent chest pain Secondary to transcient myocardial ischemia (imbalance between oxygen supply and tissue oxygen demands) Musculoskeletal Responsible for the majority of recurrent chest pain
Recurrent Chest Pain Other causes Anxiety states Reflux esophagitis +/- hiatal hernia Associated with large meals, alcohol, highly seasoned food, chocolates, coffee Nocturnal and associated with recumbancy Relieved by nitroglycerin Diffuse esophageal spasms Associated with meals
Musculoskeletal Pain Characteristics Neck, shoulder and thorax most common locations Tends to occur at night Precipitated or intensified by fatigue, posture, movement, coughing, sneezing Long duration of pain (often hours) Pain dull, aching with sharp twinges Relief characterized by rest, heat, postural exercises and analgesics
Angina Pectoris Causes: Coronary artery atherosclerosis Coronary artery spasm Coronary artery thrombosis Multiple other cardiac and pulmonary etiologies: Aortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension or infarction, myocardial disease, pericarditis, mitral valve prolapse, aortic dissection
Angina Pectoris May occur in the absence of heart disease or coronary artery abnormalities (Syndrome X) Uncommon in males less than 40 Uncommon in premenopausal females unless they have diabetes, hypertension or hyperlipidemia
Angina Pectoris Clinical characteristics Poorly localized pain Usually retrosternal but may occur anywhere from lower jaw to umbilicus Brief duration 2-10 minutes Moderate intensity pain described as squeezing, oppressive, burning or heavy
Angina Pectoris Clinical characteristics Precipitated by: Emotional distress Physical exertion Heavy meals Cold Walking up stairs or hills Exacerbated by: Recumbency
Angina Pectoris Clinical characteristics Excluded if: Pain localized with one finger Lasts less than 30 seconds or longer than 30 minutes Pain described as sticking, jabbing, throbbing or constantly severe
Angina Pectoris Types of angina pectoris Stable Unstable Pain pattern repeatable for frequency, intensity, duration, provocation and response to nitroglycerin and rest Unstable Pain pattern changed in one or more characteristics (frequency, intensity, duration, provocation, response to nitroglycerin or cessation of activity) May occur at night or rest
Angina Pectoris Unstable angina pectoris Indicative of progressive coronary artery disease Indistinguishable from MI Requires admission to “rule out” MI Enzymes - CPK-MB, LDH, Troponin I and T Serial EKGs Clinical history
Angina Pectoris Dialogue history Determine: Angina description Classical, atypical or equivalent angina Frequency Duration of pain Precipitating factors Activity level Stressors Treatment Medications
Angina Pectoris Dialogue history Risk factors Smoking Hyperlipidemia Obesity Sedentary life style Alcohol consumption Hypertension Diabetes mellitus
Angina Pectoris Dialogue history Risk factors Sex Age Genetics Race Male Postmenopausal female Age Genetics Family history Race Blacks > Caucasians
Angina Pectoris Treatment Stop procedure Position patient to comfort Oxygen 2-3 L per NC or face mask Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL Repeat q 5 minutes x 3 total doses If no response, assume MI or unstable angina Activate EMS and transfer to ER
Angina Pectoris Diagnostic approach Nitroglycerin Normally relieves pain in 3 minutes or less Failure to relieve pain after 10 minutes evidence against angina Failure to relieve pain indicates either unstable angina or myocardial infarction
Angina Pectoris Function of nitroglycerin Dilates coronary arteries to increase blood flow and improve oxygen delivery to cardiac tissue Platelet disaggregation
Angina Pectoris Dental treatment Early AM appointments Short appointments Consider oxygen and prophylactic nitroglycerin Stress reduction protocols Good local anesthesia Nitrous oxide PO or IV sedation
Myocardial Infarction
Myocardial Infarction Cardiac ischemia which results in myocardial necrosis
Myocardial Infarction Pain more intense and longer in duration than angina pectoris Pain described as retrosternal, crushing, pressure, constriction, vice-like, burning Pain may occur in same distribution as angina pectoris Not relieved by SL nitroglycerin or cessation of activity
MI Signs and Symptoms Symptoms Signs Pain Nausea/Indigestion Weakness/Fatigue Dizziness Palpitations Sense of impending doom SOB Lightheadedness Signs Restlessness Acute distress Vomiting Diaphoresis Cardiac arrhythmia Pallor Cyanosis Dyspnea Wheezing
Myocardial Infarction Dialogue history History of angina pectoris Changes in angina pectoris Previous MI When, Treatment, Outcome, Current status Medications Risk factors
Management of Acute MI Recognition BLS Airway Breathing Circulation Activate EMS Oxygen - 4-5 L by NC or face mask
Management of Acute MI Monitor VS Position to comfort Pain relief Morphine sulfate 2-5 mg IM/IV q 5-15 minutes prn Controls pain and reduces anxiety Prepare to perform CPR or provide ACLS (if properly trained)
Management of Acute MI Transfer to ER
Chest Pain
Chest Pain Origin Cardiac Pulmonary Musculoskeletal Neck, thorax, shoulder Upper abdominal viscera
Chest Pain Classification Recurrent Severe Mild to moderate intensity Prolonged pain
Recurrent Chest Pain Angina pectoris Musculoskeletal Most important but not the most frequent cause of recurrent chest pain Secondary to transcient myocardial ischemia (imbalance between oxygen supply and tissue oxygen demands) Musculoskeletal Responsible for the majority of recurrent chest pain
Recurrent Chest Pain Other causes Anxiety states Reflux esophagitis +/- hiatal hernia Associated with large meals, alcohol, highly seasoned food, chocolates, coffee Nocturnal and associated with recumbancy Relieved by nitroglycerin Diffuse esophageal spasms Associated with meals
Musculoskeletal Pain Characteristics Neck, shoulder and thorax most common locations Tends to occur at night Precipitated or intensified by fatigue, posture, movement, coughing, sneezing Long duration of pain (often hours) Pain dull, aching with sharp twinges Relief characterized by rest, heat, postural exercises and analgesics
Angina Pectoris Causes: Coronary artery atherosclerosis Coronary artery spasm Coronary artery thrombosis Multiple other cardiac and pulmonary etiologies: Aortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension or infarction, myocardial disease, pericarditis, mitral valve prolapse, aortic dissection
Angina Pectoris May occur in the absence of heart disease or coronary artery abnormalities (Syndrome X) Uncommon in males less than 40 Uncommon in premenopausal females unless they have diabetes, hypertension or hyperlipidemia
Angina Pectoris Clinical characteristics Poorly localized pain Usually retrosternal but may occur anywhere from lower jaw to umbilicus Brief duration 2-10 minutes Moderate intensity pain described as squeezing, oppressive, burning or heavy
Angina Pectoris Clinical characteristics Precipitated by: Emotional distress Physical exertion Heavy meals Cold Walking up stairs or hills Exacerbated by: Recumbency
Angina Pectoris Clinical characteristics Excluded if: Pain localized with one finger Lasts less than 30 seconds or longer than 30 minutes Pain described as sticking, jabbing, throbbing or constantly severe
Angina Pectoris Types of angina pectoris Stable Unstable Pain pattern repeatable for frequency, intensity, duration, provocation and response to nitroglycerin and rest Unstable Pain pattern changed in one or more characteristics (frequency, intensity, duration, provocation, response to nitroglycerin or cessation of activity) May occur at night or rest
Angina Pectoris Unstable angina pectoris Indicative of progressive coronary artery disease Indistinguishable from MI Requires admission to “rule out” MI Enzymes - CPK-MB, LDH, Troponin I and T Serial EKGs Clinical history
Angina Pectoris Dialogue history Determine: Angina description Classical, atypical or equivalent angina Frequency Duration of pain Precipitating factors Activity level Stressors Treatment Medications
Angina Pectoris Dialogue history Risk factors Smoking Hyperlipidemia Obesity Sedentary life style Alcohol consumption Hypertension Diabetes mellitus
Angina Pectoris Dialogue history Risk factors Sex Age Genetics Race Male Postmenopausal female Age Genetics Family history Race Blacks > Caucasians
Angina Pectoris Treatment Stop procedure Position patient to comfort Oxygen 2-3 L per NC or face mask Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL Repeat q 5 minutes x 3 total doses If no response, assume MI or unstable angina Activate EMS and transfer to ER
Angina Pectoris Diagnostic approach Nitroglycerin Normally relieves pain in 3 minutes or less Failure to relieve pain after 10 minutes evidence against angina Failure to relieve pain indicates either unstable angina or myocardial infarction
Angina Pectoris Function of nitroglycerin Dilates coronary arteries to increase blood flow and improve oxygen delivery to cardiac tissue Platelet disaggregation
Angina Pectoris Dental treatment Early AM appointments Short appointments Consider oxygen and prophylactic nitroglycerin Stress reduction protocols Good local anesthesia Nitrous oxide PO or IV sedation
Myocardial Infarction
Myocardial Infarction Cardiac ischemia which results in myocardial necrosis
Myocardial Infarction Pain more intense and longer in duration than angina pectoris Pain described as retrosternal, crushing, pressure, constriction, vice-like, burning Pain may occur in same distribution as angina pectoris Not relieved by SL nitroglycerin or cessation of activity
MI Signs and Symptoms Symptoms Signs Pain Nausea/Indigestion Weakness/Fatigue Dizziness Palpitations Sense of impending doom SOB Lightheadedness Signs Restlessness Acute distress Vomiting Diaphoresis Cardiac arrhythmia Pallor Cyanosis Dyspnea Wheezing
Myocardial Infarction Dialogue history History of angina pectoris Changes in angina pectoris Previous MI When, Treatment, Outcome, Current status Medications Risk factors
Management of Acute MI Recognition BLS Airway Breathing Circulation Activate EMS Oxygen - 4-5 L by NC or face mask
Management of Acute MI Monitor VS Position to comfort Pain relief Morphine sulfate 2-5 mg IM/IV q 5-15 minutes prn Controls pain and reduces anxiety Prepare to perform CPR or provide ACLS (if properly trained)
Management of Acute MI Transfer to ER
Case Scenario #10
Case Scenario A 25 year old female presents for initial periodontal debridement with local anesthesia.
Case Scenario PMH: Medications: None Allergies: Sulfa, PCN, Tetracycline, Erythromycin Illnesses: Asthma, Bladder infections, Pneumonia x 2 PSH: Bronchoscopies x 2, T&A
Case Scenario Vital signs: BP - 90/60 HR - 85 RR - 12 Temp - 37 F Weight - 110 lb (50 kg)
Case Scenario She receives 6 carpules of 2% Xylocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. Five minutes later, she tells the hygienist that she feels “really great”. She stutters as she says it and she now has twitching of her facial and extremity muscles. She begins to perspiring and c/o the room being hot.
Case Scenario You are summoned back to the room. When you enter, she begins to seize in the chair.
Case Scenario What do you suspect is happening? How would you treat it? What is the pathophysiology for this problem? How can this occur and what are the differences?
Overdose
Overdose Clinical signs and symptoms from high blood levels of a drug in various target organs and tissues Most common adverse drug reaction
Overdose Requirements Access to the vascular system Alteration of steady state Rapid absorption Intravascular injection Delayed redistribution Delayed biotransformation Delayed elimination Excessive dosage
Mechanisms of Overdose
Overdose Predisposing factors Patient factors Drug factors
Patient Factors Age Weight Sex Other medications Presence of disease Young and elderly Weight Lean vs. fat, overall weight Sex Other medications Presence of disease Renal, liver Genetics
Drug Factors Vasoactivity Concentration Dose Route of administration Rate of injection Vascularity at injection site Vasoconstrictors
Local Anesthetic Overdose Minimal - Moderate Talkativeness Apprehension Excitability Euphoria Sweating Disorientation Increased BP, P, RR Loss of reason Moderate - High Light headedness Restlessness Nervousness Metallic taste Visual, auditory disturbances Seizures CNS depression CV collapse
Local Anesthetic Overdose CNS precede CV symptoms CNS symptoms CNS depression or excitation Seizures Generalized CNS depression
Local Anesthetic Overdose Tx Oxygen Monitor VS BLS IV line* Anticonvulsant (Valium) * Protect patient* Transfer to ER* * If necessary
Drugs
Drugs Just what drugs do you need? Do I need a crash cart? How extensive does your crash cart need to be? What if I don’t have the training to use the equipment?
Crash Cart
Crash Cart How much do you need? What is your training? Match your training to the amount of drugs and equipment you require Do not overbuy via an emergency kit. Small tackle box may be all that is necessary vs, major crash cart Must have certain necessary equipment to administer the drugs in your emergency kit or temporaily treat emergencies (needles, fluids, tubing, tourniquets, etc.)
Oxygen All medical emergencies require oxygen initially! What specific conditions require oxygen? What is the one exception? Hypoxemia, cardiac ischemia, cardiac arrest Hyperventilation
Aspirin
Aspirin 81, 162 or 325 mg crush and swallow Who should be on it? Who gets it? What does it do? How does it supposedly work? Angina, unstable angina, s/p MI, CHF
Epinephrine
Epinephrine What concentrations does it come in? Name 3 dental office emergencies where you would consider using it? What is the normal dosage? How often can it be repeated? Why would you repeat it? What adverse effects could occur? 1:1000 vs 1:10,000 Cardiac arrest, asthma, allergy .3 to .5 mg per dose Every 5 minutes Cardiac ischemia, HTN, decreased peripheral perfusion
Epinephrine Pharmacology Increases SVR SBP/DBP Myocardial electrical activity Coronary and cerebral blood flow Myocardial contraction Automaticity
Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin What forms does it come in? When is it given? How often is it given? How do you know it is effective/active? How does it work? How is it stored? What are the adverse side effects? Tablets, pastes, spray, IV, epidermal patches Suspected cardiac ischemia, HTN, CHF with angina Every 5 minutes Should see relief within 3 minutes – indicates ischemia/hypoxemia. If no relief after 3 doses, presume MI until proven otherwise Dilates venous system, coronary arteries, antagonizes vasospasm, increases coronary collateral blood flow, decreases left ventricular wall tension and work, improves subendocardial perfusion, decreases oxygen demand, reduces peripheral resistance, reduces effects of CHF Brown vial – protects from sun Hypotension, syncope, bradycardia, ischemia, headache
Atropine Sulfate
Atropine Sulfate Indications? How does it work? How much do you give? What adverse side effects can occur? How often can you repeat it? Bradycardia, asystole, hypotension with bradycardia Vagolytic parasympathetic drug 0.5 mg / dose Paradoxical slowing of the heart and increased myocardial oxygen demands with subsequent MI or angina Every 3-5 minutes to 2 mg total dose
Benadryl
Benadryl Name 3 dental emergencies in which this is used? How is it administered? What dosage is usually given? How does it work? What are the side effects? Allergy, Asthma, IV, IM or PO 50 to 150 mg Histamine1 blocker Sedation and hypotension
Ventolin Inhaler
Ventolin Inhaler Used to treat what conditions? How much and how often can it be administered? How should it be administered? Side effects? Asthma 2-4 puffs q 10-20 minutes until improved or toxicity presents With an air spacer (minimizes need for coordination between administration and inhalation) Toxicity – tachycardia, tremor or arrhythmia
Insta-Glucose
Insta-Glucose Used to treat what condition? When should this not be used? How is it administered?
Dextrose - 50
Dextrose - 50 Used to treat what condition? How is it given? Can it produce any problems if administered?
Succinylcholine
Succinylcholine What is it and what is it used to treat what conditions? How is it administered and how much is given? How long does it take to be effective and how long does it last? How is it metabolized? What must you be able to do if you administer this medication? Are there any risks to administration of succinylcholine? Depolarizing muscle relaxant/paralytic, 1.0 – 1.5 mg/kg (intubation), 20-40 mg IV for laryngospasm Laryngospasm, need to intubate to protect airway IV or IM 1 minutes and 10 minutes Pseudocholinesterase Breath for the patient MH, atypical pseudocholinesterase inhibitor, bradycardia with second dose
Narcan
Narcan For what condition is this used? How is it administered? What special precautions must be utilized? What are the risks of giving this medication? If the patient doesn’t respond after repeated dosing, what is suggested? Narcotic OD IV or IM 0.1 mg IV q 2-3 minutes Return of sedation/narcotization – decrease risk by giving 0.4 mg IM Narcotic withdrawal, precipitation of angina/ischemia due to tachycardia, increased BP Depression not due to narcotics
Romazicon
Romazicon For what condition is this used? How is it administered? What is the maximum dosage? What risks are associated with giving this medication? Benzodiazepine OD IV, 0.1-0.2 mg doses 1.0 mg Seizure precipitation
Valium
Valium For what condition is this used? How much and how is it given? What is the biggest concern with giving this drug? Seizures 5 to 10 mg IV, repeat this qs to control seizures Respiratory depression