National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What should be the immediate response if a patient shows signs of syncope?

1. Elevate the patient's legs

2. Administer food and water

3. Immediately call for hospital transport

4. Provide a diagnosis

The correct answer is: Elevate the patient's legs

Elevating the patient's legs is the appropriate immediate response when a patient shows signs of syncope, or fainting. This position helps to increase blood flow to the brain by facilitating venous return. When a patient is experiencing syncope, it may be due to a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain, which can cause dizziness or loss of consciousness. Raising the legs allows gravity to assist in directing blood flow to the upper body, which can help the patient regain consciousness more quickly. In contrast, administering food and water is not advisable in the moment of a syncopal episode, as the patient may not be fully conscious or may have difficulty swallowing. Calling for hospital transport should only be considered if the patient does not regain consciousness quickly or if there are other concerning symptoms. Providing a diagnosis is not appropriate in an acute situation where immediate treatment is necessary; the priority is to stabilize the patient rather than assess their condition at that moment. Therefore, elevating the legs is the best initial response to help address the situation effectively.