Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What should be done if a patient is not breathing during a syncope episode?

1. Administer antihistamines

2. Utilize ammonia inhalants only

3. Start BLS immediately

4. Call for help and wait

The correct answer is: Start BLS immediately

In a situation where a patient is not breathing during an episode of syncope, it is crucial to initiate Basic Life Support (BLS) immediately. The rationale behind this is that syncope, which is a temporary loss of consciousness typically due to a decrease in blood flow to the brain, can quickly lead to serious complications, especially if the patient's airway becomes compromised. Starting BLS involves ensuring the patient’s airway is open, checking for breathing, and, if there is no breathing, commencing chest compressions and rescue breaths as necessary. Quick intervention can help maintain oxygen delivery to vital organs, including the brain, potentially preventing irreversible damage or death. Other options such as administering antihistamines or utilizing ammonia inhalants may not directly address the absence of breathing and therefore do not provide immediate life-saving measures. Calling for help and waiting might result in unnecessary delays that could negatively impact the patient’s outcome, especially in a critical situation where every second counts. Hence, the immediate response should prioritize initiating BLS to stabilize the patient's condition.