National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Practice Exam

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What form of anesthetic should be used for a patient with a history of myocardial infarction?

  1. LA + vasoconstrictor with caution

  2. General anesthesia only

  3. LA without vasoconstrictor

  4. No anesthetic due to risk

The correct answer is: LA + vasoconstrictor with caution

It is important to use an anesthetic that minimizes the risk of further complications for a patient with a history of myocardial infarction. Option B, general anesthesia, is not recommended as it can cause a decrease in blood pressure and cardiac output, potentially leading to further cardiac complications. Option C, using local anesthesia without a vasoconstrictor, can still pose a risk as the adrenaline in the vasoconstrictor can help stabilize the heart rate and decrease bleeding. Option D, not using any anesthesia, is not a viable option as it can be extremely painful and stressful for the patient. Therefore, LA + vasoconstrictor with caution (option A) is the best choice as it provides the necessary anesthesia while also considering the patient's medical history.