A 23-year-old patient who is 10 weeks pregnant presents with a large MO cavity on tooth #30 (sensitive to percussion). Which is the MOST appropriate next step?

Correct answer: D. Discuss the implications of alcohol use for fetal development with the patient

• A. Discharging the patient abandons their care needs.
• B. Reporting to CPS for fetal alcohol exposure is generally not the standard practice for a 10-week pregnant patient disclosing social alcohol use — the FIRST step is patient education/counseling.
• C. While OB-GYN collaboration is appropriate, the immediate action for the disclosed alcohol use is patient counseling.
• D. Correct. The patient's history notes social alcohol use while pregnant. While reporting to CPS would be appropriate for child abuse of an EXISTING child, a fetus cannot be reported to CPS in the same way. The MOST appropriate next step is to DISCUSS the implications of alcohol use during pregnancy with the patient in a non-judgmental, informative manner — this respects autonomy while fulfilling the duty to counsel.