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Pathology · single question

A patient is diagnosed with leukemia and needs dental treatment. What is the FIRST step?

  1. Prescribe prophylactic antibiotics before any procedure
  2. Contact the patient's oncologist
  3. Proceed with all necessary treatment immediately
  4. Order a CBC and defer all treatment
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Contact the patient's oncologist

For any patient with active malignancy, FIRST step = consult the oncologist. They provide: current chemo protocol, blood counts, bleeding/infection risk, and clearance for dental procedures. Never proceed without oncology coordination.
  • A. Prophylactic antibiotics require knowing the CBC and oncologist's recommendation first.
  • B. CORRECT. Contact the oncologist FIRST before any dental treatment in a leukemia patient.
  • C. Proceeding without oncology consultation is dangerous — patient may have thrombocytopenia or neutropenia.
  • D. CBC may be ordered but oncologist should be contacted FIRST — they often already have current labs.

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