National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What is a common method of treatment for hyperventilation?

1. Providing oxygen therapy

2. Encouraging deep breathing

3. Having the patient breathe into a paper bag

4. Administering oral fluids

The correct answer is: Having the patient breathe into a paper bag

A common method of treatment for hyperventilation is having the patient breathe into a paper bag. This technique works by creating a small space for the patient to re-inhale some of the carbon dioxide that they may be exhaling too rapidly. When a person hyperventilates, they often exhale excessive amounts of carbon dioxide, leading to a state of respiratory alkalosis, which can cause symptoms like lightheadedness, tingling in the extremities, and anxiety. Using a paper bag can help to normalize the carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream by providing an opportunity to inhale that gas again. This method is effective because it can help restore the balance of gases in the body and mitigate the distressing symptoms associated with hyperventilation. While other methods like encouraging deep breathing or providing oxygen therapy might seem beneficial, they do not target the root cause as effectively in cases of hyperventilation. Encouraging deep breathing can help in some scenarios but may not be as direct in alleviating the symptoms of hyperventilation. Administering oral fluids does not address the respiratory imbalance at all. Thus, breathing into a paper bag remains the most commonly recognized method for treatment in the case of hyperventilation.