Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

In the case of syncope with no breathing, what should be initiated?

1. Start seizure protocol

2. Administer oxygen

3. Begin BLS (Basic Life Support)

4. Use crushed ammonia under the nose

The correct answer is: Begin BLS (Basic Life Support)

In the event of syncope accompanied by no breathing, initiating Basic Life Support (BLS) is crucial as it involves immediate steps that can significantly affect the patient's outcome. The BLS protocol encompasses recognizing unresponsiveness, calling for emergency assistance, and initiating chest compressions to maintain blood circulation. This is vital since the absence of breathing signifies a lack of oxygenation to vital organs, and prompt action can be lifesaving. Initiating BLS ensures that the responder is taking the necessary steps to provide basic care while waiting for advanced medical help. Key components include maintaining an open airway and starting compression and rescue breaths, as appropriate. While options like administering oxygen or using ammonia can be part of other protocols, they do not address the immediate need for circulation and ventilation in a patient who is unresponsive and not breathing.