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Infection Control · single question

A patient with active TUBERCULOSIS (TB) needs routine prophylaxis. What should be done?

  1. Treat with N95 mask and standard PPE
  2. Defer (postpone) all elective dental treatment until TB is no longer active
  3. Complete the prophy using a regular surgical mask
  4. Treat in a negative pressure isolation room with N95 mask
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Defer (postpone) all elective dental treatment until TB is no longer active

  • A. Incorrect. N95 + standard PPE provides some protection but elective procedures should still be deferred for active TB.
  • B. Correct. For ACTIVE (infectious) tuberculosis, ELECTIVE dental treatment should be DEFERRED until the patient is no longer contagious (typically after 2–3 weeks of effective anti-TB therapy and documentation of non-infectivity). Routine prophylaxis is an elective procedure and should wait.
  • C. Incorrect. A regular surgical mask is completely inadequate for active TB — N95 at minimum is required.
  • D. Incorrect. A negative-pressure room + N95 is required if emergency treatment is absolutely necessary — but for routine/elective procedures, deferral is the answer.

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