National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

Which physical change may NOT be observed in a medical emergency?

1. Unconsciousness

2. Convulsions

3. Respiratory distress

4. Headache

The correct answer is: Headache

In a medical emergency, physical changes often indicate the severity of the situation and may include alterations in consciousness, convulsions, or respiratory distress. Unconsciousness can occur due to various medical conditions like shock or syncope; convulsions are typically associated with neurological issues or seizure disorders; and respiratory distress implies a critical situation where the airway or breathing is compromised, requiring immediate attention. A headache, while certainly a symptom that can indicate underlying issues, is less likely to be an immediate, observable physical change that signifies a medical emergency. Headaches can occur for countless reasons, including tension, dehydration, or migraine, and do not typically present as a direct indicator of an urgent medical condition in the same way as the other symptoms listed. Thus, headaches might not be observed during a critical scenario where prompt management of clear physical signs is required.