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Stroke Emergency Response — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateMedical Emergencies in DentistryStroke Emergency ResponseNDEB AFK

Which of the following describes the appropriate emergency response when a patient in the dental chair develops signs of stroke (sudden unilateral facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)?

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

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Correct answer: B — Activate EMS (911) immediately, position the patient comfortably (head slightly elevated), record the time of symptom onset, and do NOT give anything by mouth

Stroke (cerebrovascular accident — ischaemic or haemorrhagic) is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital treatment. In the dental office: (1) STOP the dental procedure; (2) Recognise stroke signs using FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911); (3) Activate EMS immediately; (4) Record the exact time of symptom onset (critical for determining eligibility for thrombolytic therapy — tPA effective within 4.5 hours); (5) Position comfortably with head slightly elevated; (6) Do NOT give anything by mouth (aspiration risk); (7) Monitor vital signs and be prepared for CPR if cardiac arrest occurs.

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