Start practicing

Ethics & Law · single question

A patient has a terminal illness with a life expectancy of approximately one year. Which treatment would you NOT recommend?

  1. Simple restorations to maintain comfort and function
  2. Placing a dental implant to replace tooth #20
  3. Palliative and symptomatic treatment of pain
  4. Oral hygiene support and management of dry mouth
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Placing a dental implant to replace tooth #20

  • A. Simple restorations that relieve sensitivity or restore chewing are reasonable and quick.
  • B. CORRECT — this should NOT be recommended. An implant requires months of osseointegration, several surgical and prosthetic appointments, and substantial cost, and it will not deliver meaningful benefit within the patient's remaining lifespan. Elective, lengthy, high-cost rehabilitation is inappropriate; risk of surgical complications in a medically compromised terminal patient adds further harm.
  • C. Symptomatic and palliative care is exactly the goal — comfort, function, and quality of life.
  • D. Managing xerostomia, candidiasis, and hygiene has immediate quality-of-life benefit.

Note: Reframe treatment goals around comfort, function, and dignity rather than long-term restorative idealism.

Practice Ethics & Law questions Ethics & Law study notes

More Ethics & Law practice questions