Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

A patient is diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. What is the recommended next step?

1. Administer corticosteroids

2. Schedule a follow-up appointment

3. Refer to a neurologist

4. Prescribe analgesics

The correct answer is: Refer to a neurologist

In the management of Bell's Palsy, the first-line treatment involves the administration of corticosteroids, particularly if started within 72 hours of symptom onset. Corticosteroids have been shown to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms by minimizing inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve. While a follow-up appointment may be necessary to monitor the patient's recovery and neurological status, it is not the immediate next step in management; addressing the inflammation with corticosteroids is more critical. Referring to a neurologist is generally reserved for cases where the diagnosis is uncertain or if there are atypical features suggesting other underlying conditions. Most cases of Bell's Palsy can be effectively managed in primary care settings without immediate referral. Analgesics might be prescribed to manage discomfort but are not the focus in the acute management of Bell's Palsy. Thus, the recommended immediate action in this case should prioritize the administration of corticosteroids to address the condition effectively and optimize recovery.