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Oral Surgery · single question

A patient on active chemotherapy has which PRIMARY CONCERN during dental treatment?

  1. Infection risk from immunosuppression (low WBCs → poor defense against infection)
  2. Hypothyroid crisis
  3. High blood sugar
  4. Adrenal crisis
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Correct answer: A. Infection risk from immunosuppression (low WBCs → poor defense against infection)

  • A. Correct. Active chemotherapy causes MYELOSUPPRESSION — suppression of bone marrow function leading to: LEUKOPENIA (low WBCs → immunosuppression → high infection risk), thrombocytopenia (low platelets → bleeding risk), anemia. The PRIMARY dental concern is INFECTION RISK from immunosuppression. Always check blood counts before dental procedures. WBC <2000/mm³ or neutrophils <500/mm³ = postpone elective treatment.
  • B. Hypothyroid crisis is not a typical chemotherapy complication.
  • C. High blood sugar occurs in uncontrolled diabetes — not a primary concern in chemotherapy.
  • D. Adrenal crisis is a risk in patients on long-term corticosteroids — not specifically chemotherapy.

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