Ethics & Law · single question

A patient is scheduled for multiple extractions under IV sedation, but the dentist notices the patient smells of marijuana. What should the dentist do?

Proceed with the treatment as planned
Postpone the sedation/procedure and reschedule, given concerns about informed consent, drug interactions, and altered physiologic response
Administer half the planned sedative dose and proceed
Proceed but withhold local anesthesia only

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Postpone the sedation/procedure and reschedule, given concerns about informed consent, drug interactions, and altered physiologic response

Recent cannabis use raises real safety concerns for sedation: it can alter sedative drug requirements/response (tolerance or unpredictable interaction), impair the patient's ability to give valid informed consent, and complicate airway/cardiovascular monitoring. The safest course is to postpone elective IV sedation and reschedule once the patient is not acutely under the influence.

Practice Ethics & Law questions Ethics & Law study notes

A patient is scheduled for multiple extractions under IV sedation, but the dentist notices the patient smells of marijuana. What should the dentist do?

More Ethics & Law practice questions