skip to main content

Paediatric Oral Sedation — NDEB AFK MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModeratePain & Anxiety ControlPaediatric Oral SedationNDEB AFK

Which of the following drugs is the most appropriate choice for managing moderate-to-severe dental anxiety in a paediatric patient aged 4 years who is uncooperative?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg (maximum 20 mg)

Oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg, max 20 mg) is the most commonly used oral sedative for paediatric dental patients. It provides reliable anxiolysis, amnesia, and mild sedation with a wide safety margin. Onset is 15-30 minutes and duration approximately 60-90 minutes. It can be combined with nitrous oxide for enhanced sedation. The child must be monitored continuously. Triazolam is not recommended in young children. Nitrous oxide alone may be insufficient for very uncooperative children.

Reference: Malamed – Sedation: A Guide to Patient Management, 6th ed., 2018