Medical Emergencies · single question
A 22-year-old patient called at 11 PM with dental pain (given acetaminophen+ibuprofen). She calls again screaming in pain. What is the most appropriate NEXT step?
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Correct answer: C. Tell her to go to the emergency room
When a patient has escalating severe pain after initial phone management, direct them to the ER — they need IV pain management, assessment for spreading infection (Ludwig's angina), and stabilization until dental care. Source confirms: 'a-Tell her to go to emergency.'
- A. More ibuprofen was already recommended and failed — not the next step.
- B. Pulpotomy would be ideal if the dentist is immediately available — but with after-hours escalating pain, ER is appropriate.
- C. CORRECT. Tell her to go to the emergency room. Uncontrolled pain needs ER assessment for spreading infection and IV analgesia.
- D. Prescribing opioids over the phone for an unexamined patient is inappropriate and potentially illegal.
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