Atlas · Plate XIII · Medical Emergencies · 02
Syncope and hypotension
Vasovagal syncope, the most common office emergency, is usually set off by fear, pain or the sight of a needle. Warning signs are pallor, sweating, nausea, feeling warm and dizziness. Stop treatment, lay the patient supine with the legs slightly raised, loosen tight clothing and give oxygen. Prevent orthostatic hypotension by raising the chair slowly, especially for patients taking antihypertensives.
High-yield facts · 5
- Vasovagal syncope is the most common office emergency, often triggered by fear, pain or the sight of a needle.T8
- Early signs: pallor, sweating, nausea, feeling warm, dizziness, fast then slow pulse.T8
- Treat: stop treatment, place supine with legs slightly raised (Trendelenburg-like), loosen tight clothing, give oxygen, monitor; aromatic ammonia if office protocol uses it.T8
- Postural (orthostatic) hypotension: drop in BP when sitting up quickly, especially with antihypertensives; raise the chair slowly and pause before standing.T8
- Recovery from simple syncope occurs within seconds to a minute once supine; no recovery means call EMS and start BLS.T8S26
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