An auxiliary may perform all of the following in an emergency without a pre-exam except?

In emergency situations within the dental practice, auxiliaries are permitted to perform certain tasks that aid in managing the situation effectively. These tasks typically include actions that do not involve invasive procedures or require a higher level of clinical judgment.

Administering oxygen, obtaining vital signs, and calling for help are all considered supportive measures that an auxiliary can undertake to stabilize a patient until the dentist can intervene. These actions are generally straightforward and do not require advanced clinical skills, making them appropriate for unlicensed or less specially trained staff.

However, placing sutures is classified as an invasive procedure that requires a level of training and authority beyond what is typically granted to auxiliaries in a non-emergency context. This task necessitates a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, surgical techniques, and the healing process, as well as licensing specific to performing such procedures. Therefore, while an auxiliary can assist in many ways during an emergency, suturing cannot be performed without a pre-exam and falls outside the scope of their permitted functions during such situations.