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Airway Emergency Referral — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateMedical Emergencies in DentistryAirway Emergency ReferralNDEB AFK

Which of the following clinical scenarios requires absolute referral to a medical emergency department rather than management in the dental office?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Suspected angioedema involving the floor of the mouth and tongue base with stridor

Angioedema involving the floor of the mouth and tongue base with stridor indicates progressive airway compromise — a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate hospital transfer. While epinephrine 0.5 mg IM should be administered immediately and may temporarily improve symptoms, definitive airway management (intubation, surgical airway) is beyond dental office capability. EMS (911) should be activated without delay.

Reference: Malamed – Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office, 8th ed., 2022