Question

During the placing of a restoration by the dentist, the young patient jumps out of the dental chair and runs toward the reception area. The patient starts to grasp her neck, making a high-pitched sound, with her face and lips turning blue. What is happening to the patient and what needs to be done immediately?

Answer 1

The patient is experiencing a severe form of choking called complete airway obstruction. Immediate action needs to be taken to help the patient breathe again.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the symptoms described, the patient is most likely experiencing a severe form of choking called complete airway obstruction, which occurs when the airway is completely blocked. The high-pitched sound, blue face and lips, and grasping of the neck are all indicative of oxygen deprivation. Immediate action needs to be taken to help the patient breathe again.

To aid the patient, the Heimlich maneuver should be performed. This involves standing behind the patient, making a fist with one hand and placing it above the navel, then using the other hand to provide forceful upward pressure on the abdomen. This helps to expel the object causing the obstruction and restore airflow.

Answer 2

The patient is choking and needs immediate assistance. Encourage coughing, perform abdominal thrusts, and call for emergency help if the person is still choking or becomes unconscious.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described in the scenario indicate that the patient is choking. When a person is choking, they are unable to breathe properly, causing a lack of oxygen. This can lead to the person's face turning blue from lack of oxygen and may result in unconsciousness if not addressed promptly.

To help the choking patient immediately:

1. Encourage coughing: Ask the patient to cough forcefully to try to dislodge the object blocking their airway.
2. Perform abdominal thrusts: If the person cannot cough or the coughing is ineffective, stand behind them and apply abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver).
3. Call for emergency help: If the person is still choking, cannot breathe, or becomes unconscious, call emergency services immediately.