Pediatric Dentistry · single question
A pediatric autistic patient is in severe pain at night. The mother calls reporting the child is crying. What should the dentist do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Tell her to go to the emergency room
A special needs pediatric patient with autism in severe pain at night is best directed to the EMERGENCY ROOM. The ER can manage acute pain, has facilities for sedation if needed for an uncooperative autistic child, and can address any medical emergencies. Prescribing opioids over the phone for a pediatric patient without evaluation is inappropriate. Performing a pulpotomy in the middle of the night on an uncooperative autistic patient without proper resources is not feasible.
- A. INCORRECT. Asking the mother to come to the clinic at night and performing a pulpotomy on an uncooperative autistic child without proper staffing, equipment, and sedation facilities is inappropriate and potentially unsafe.
- B. INCORRECT. Prescribing opioids (hydrocodone + acetaminophen) to a pediatric patient over the phone without examination is inappropriate and potentially dangerous.
- C. CORRECT. The emergency room is the appropriate resource for a special needs pediatric patient in severe acute pain at night. The ER can provide appropriate pain management, evaluation, and management with proper facilities for an autistic child.
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