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Medical Emergencies · single question

A healthy male nurse with no dental problems attends his routine 6-month recall. His face is swollen and a spider-bite site is visible. The most appropriate action is to:

  1. Incise and drain the swelling
  2. Prescribe antibiotics and proceed with the cleaning
  3. Refer him to his physician
  4. Proceed with the prophylaxis
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Refer him to his physician

  • A. The swelling is not odontogenic; surgical drainage is not indicated by the dentist.
  • B. The cause is a non-dental medical problem; self-prescribing is inappropriate.
  • C. Correct. A non-dental medical condition (spider bite with facial swelling) should be evaluated by a physician.
  • D. Treating around an undiagnosed systemic/medical problem is unsafe.

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