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Infection Control · single question

A patient with LATENT tuberculosis presents for dental treatment. What precautions are required?

  1. Quaternary ammonium disinfection of all surfaces
  2. Defer treatment until patient is cleared by physician
  3. Standard precautions only
  4. N95 mask and negative pressure room
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Standard precautions only

  • A. Quaternary ammonium compounds are used for surface disinfection as part of standard precautions; no special disinfection is required for latent TB beyond standard protocol.
  • B. Deferral is not required for latent TB — these patients are not infectious.
  • C. Correct. LATENT TB means the patient is infected with M. tuberculosis but is NOT contagious (no active disease, negative chest X-ray, no symptoms). Standard precautions (gloves, mask, eye protection) are sufficient — no additional airborne precautions needed.
  • D. N95 masks and negative pressure rooms are required for ACTIVE TB only (airborne precautions). They are NOT required for latent TB.

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