The resuscitator is very difficult to use. The primary problem is keeping an effective seal between the patient's face and the mask. Due to this, it is recommended that the resuscitator be used only when there are two rescuers available to operate the resuscitator. One to maintain an air tight seal while the other rescuer squeezes the bag.
At the dentist's direction you may hook up the resuscitator to an oxygen supply. Oxygen tanks are always painted
green. Attach the oxygen hose from the oxygen bottle to the connector on the end of the resuscitator.
On the top of the oxygen tank is the cylinder valve. A yoke is used to attach the liter gauge and pressure gauge to the oxygen tank. When directed, turn the oxygen supply cylinder valve counterclockwise (fig. 9-4) until it is completely open. Next, turn the regulator control adjust handle clockwise until the proper flow rate in liters per minute is established on the liter gauge. The normal flow rate is 6 liters per minute. Once the oxygen is turned on, place the mask over the victim's nose and mouth. Pump the inflating bag once every 5 seconds for an adult, once every 4 seconds for a child, and once every 3 seconds for an infant.
NOTE: Oxygen in the atmosphere occurs in an approximate concentration of 21%, commercial oxygen is pure 100% oxygen.
Combustible materials must never come in contact with the oxygen cylinder
No smoking in any area where there are oxygen cylinders or where oxygen is being administered
Use only a properly fitting regulator valve
Close all valves when the cylinder is not in use
Secure cylinder(s) upright in a proper storage rack or carrier for transportation
Always stand to the side of the cylinder
Other medical emergencies may occur in the dental operatory, X-ray, or even the reception area. You must always be prepared to recognize and treat these emergencies.
Angina pectoris, also known as angina, occurs when there is a narrowing of the coronary arteries with decreased blood flow to the heart. The constriction of blood flow may cause the patient to experience similar signs associated with a heart attack such as pain radiating in the arms and chest. Some of the major causes are as follows:
Extreme physical exertion
Emotional stress
Pain from under the sternum
Heavy feeling or pressure on the chest
Burning feeling between the shoulder blades
Cyanosis, shortness of breath
Anxiety
Place patient in a 45-degree angle (sitting up).
Administer 100 percent oxygen and one nitroglycerin tablet sublinually (beneath the tongue).
NOTE minutes until relief is obtained. If the pain persists One additional sublingual nitroglycerin tablet or tranlingual spray dose may be repeated every five after a total of three tablets of spray doses in a 15- minute period, the patient should be brought to medical for an evaluation by a medical officer. Also check to see if the patient is wearing a transdermal form of nitroglycerin. If they are, a second dose is not usually recommended unless prescribed by a medical or dental officer.
Shock is a syndrome (a collection of symptoms) that results from a rapid decrease in blood circulation due to a loss of blood and/or vascular collapse, and from the body's attempt to compensate for these decreases. Some major causes of shock are as follows:
Allergic reactions
Severe or extensive injuries
Bites or stings from poisonous snakes or insectsContinue Reading