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Biomedical subjects

F M McCarthy

Publications and source records attributed to F M McCarthy.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Vital signs--the six-minute warnings.

The six classic vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, height, and weight) are reviewed on an historical basis and on their current use in dentistry. Normal and abnormal vital signs are explored in depth, with special attention to those conditions which can be readily recognized by the dental practitioner and with special attention to safe management of the patient in each instance. Measurement of blood pressure at the initial physical evaluation of the adult dental patient is approaching a standard of care status. A plea is made for expanding this practice and adding additional vital signs to usual office measurements. An efficient routine by which the dental assistant can measure and record the six vital signs in from three to six minutes is reviewed, and the frequency of vital sign measurement is explored.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗

Physical evaluation system to determine medical risk and indicated dental therapy modifications.

The physical evaluation system allows the practitioner to rapidly classify each patient according to medical risk and thus to provide dental treatment comfortably and safely. The evaluation system serves as a guide to the level of dental therapy, deisions of management, and modification of treatment for the medically compromised patient. Extensive use of the ADA physical status classification system in dentistry would allow meaningful studies of morbidity and mortality that are related to various management protocols and could conceivably have an impact on insurance schedules associated with psychosedation modalities and general anethesia on an out patient basis. A physical evaluation system cannot substitute for knowledge and good judgment. Recommended categories of physical status and modification of treatment should not be considered as absolutes, but as guides. Wheras the guidelines may appear to be inflexible, they should not be considered as such. Deviation from recommendations is often justified and is expected.

Classification↗

Ethyl alcohol by the oral route as a sedative in dentistry.

The history and social use and misuse of alcohol have been reviewed. Alcohol is an effective mild sedative drug for dental therapy when used in suggested dosage, and its use is encouraged. Guidelines and contraindications for administration have been suggested.

Administration, Oral↗