Ace the HESI Chairside Challenge 2026 – Elevate Your Dental Assisting Skills!

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During a dental procedure, why is it important to monitor a patient’s oxygen saturation?

To ensure the patient is getting enough oxygen and not experiencing respiratory distress

Monitoring a patient’s oxygen saturation during a dental procedure is crucial because it directly reflects the patient’s respiratory function and the effectiveness of oxygen delivery throughout the body. Adequate oxygen levels are essential for maintaining vital organ function and preventing hypoxia, which can lead to serious complications, including respiratory distress, unconsciousness, or even cardiac arrest. By ensuring that the oxygen saturation is within a normal range (typically 95% or higher), the dental professional is able to identify any potential issues in breathing or circulation early on, allowing for timely intervention if necessary to safeguard the patient's wellbeing. This practice is part of standard monitoring protocols to maintain patient safety during any procedure that may affect their respiratory status.

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To check the effectiveness of local anesthetics

To determine the patient's baseline blood pressure

To assess the need for antibiotics

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