Infection Control · single question
A father brings his child to the dental office. The child appears febrile and has a skin rash. The father mentions they recently returned from international travel. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
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Correct answer: D. Isolate both the parent and child and contact the department of infectious diseases
A febrile child with rash after international travel represents a potential infectious disease situation. The most appropriate action is to isolate both the parent and child immediately (to prevent potential spread to other patients and staff) and contact the relevant infectious disease authority. Fever + rash + recent international travel is a red flag for potentially serious communicable diseases.
- A. A week delay is inappropriate — a febrile child with a rash after international travel requires prompt assessment today, not a deferred referral.
- B. Proceeding with dental treatment while a patient may have an active communicable disease is inappropriate and potentially hazardous to other patients and dental staff.
- C. A mask for only the parent is insufficient — the child with fever and rash is the at-risk individual, and both should be isolated per infection control protocol.
- D. CORRECT. Isolating both the parent and child and contacting the department of infectious diseases is the appropriate response to a potential communicable disease situation, especially with the history of international travel.
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