A patient on methotrexate — which precaution is most important in the dental office (who poses the greatest concern for this immunosuppressed patient)?

Correct answer: D. A person with a communicable disease

• A. A young child is not the key exposure risk for an immunosuppressed patient.
• B. Standard precautions cover bloodborne pathogens regardless of immune status.
• C. Osteoarthritis poses no transmissible risk.
• D. Correct. Methotrexate-induced immunosuppression makes contact with anyone who has a communicable (infectious) disease the most important precaution to avoid.