Infection Control · single question
A patient with ACTIVE, infectious tuberculosis requires treatment of a painful dental abscess. The appropriate approach is to:
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Correct answer: A. Defer elective care and treat only urgent needs using airborne precautions in an appropriate isolation/negative-pressure setting
Active TB spreads by airborne droplet nuclei, so elective dental care is postponed until the patient is non-infectious. Urgent care is provided with airborne precautions (N95 respirators and a negative-pressure/isolation room, often a hospital setting).Other options: Standard precautions alone are insufficient for airborne TB; permanent refusal is inappropriate; the reception area is unacceptable.Key exam takeaway: Active TB = defer elective care; urgent care only with airborne precautions (N95 + negative-pressure room). Standard precautions suffice once the patient is non-infectious.
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