Infection Control · single question
A patient with ACTIVE tuberculosis is in pain and swelling. What is the ideal management?
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Correct answer: A. Treat in an isolated room with appropriate airborne precautions
Treat in an isolated room with appropriate airborne precautions (A). A patient with active (infectious) TB requiring emergency dental care should be treated only if:
• N95 respirator (not standard surgical mask) worn by all HCWs
• Patient wears surgical mask until seated in treatment room
• Negative pressure isolated room (AIIR — Airborne Infection Isolation Room)
• Minimal aerosol-generating procedures; use rubber dam and high-volume evacuation
• HCWs without documented TB immunity should not treat active TB patients
• Do not treat at all (B): incorrect — dental emergencies (pain, swelling) requiring immediate attention cannot be deferred if the patient has urgent needs.
• Universal precautions alone (C): insufficient — TB requires AIRBORNE precautions (N95, negative pressure room), not just standard precautions.
• N95 respirator (not standard surgical mask) worn by all HCWs
• Patient wears surgical mask until seated in treatment room
• Negative pressure isolated room (AIIR — Airborne Infection Isolation Room)
• Minimal aerosol-generating procedures; use rubber dam and high-volume evacuation
• HCWs without documented TB immunity should not treat active TB patients
• Do not treat at all (B): incorrect — dental emergencies (pain, swelling) requiring immediate attention cannot be deferred if the patient has urgent needs.
• Universal precautions alone (C): insufficient — TB requires AIRBORNE precautions (N95, negative pressure room), not just standard precautions.
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