In dental management of an asthma patient, which practice is essential?

• A. Bring the rescue inhaler to all appointments
• B. Avoid any use of nitrous oxide
• C. Schedule appointments only in the morning
• D. Withhold any asthma medications

Answer: (A)

Be prepared for acute bronchospasm during dental care. The rescue inhaler provides rapid relief of asthma symptoms, so having it available at every appointment ensures the patient can self-administer quick-acting bronchodilation if their airways constrict during treatment. This simple precaution can prevent a minor flare from becoming a more serious emergency, and it supports safe, timely management of the patient in the chair. Check that the patient can use the inhaler correctly, know the expiration date, and have a plan if they can’t self-administer. The other choices aren’t as essential to safety: nitrous oxide can be used with caution in some patients but isn’t universally required to carry the inhaler; scheduling only in the morning isn’t necessary for asthma safety; withholding asthma medications would be unsafe and counterproductive to control.