Infection Control · single question
An active tuberculosis (TB) patient presents with dental pain and swelling. What is the most appropriate management?
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Correct answer: B. Treat only in an airborne infection isolation room (negative pressure) with N95 respirators
Active TB is an airborne disease (droplet nuclei, <5μm). Dental treatment can only be provided in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR — negative pressure room) with N95 respirators for all providers. Elective treatment is deferred until the patient is non-infectious (typically after 2–3 weeks of effective therapy with 3 negative sputum cultures).
- A. ❌ Standard precautions are insufficient for airborne-transmitted diseases — N95 and negative pressure room are required.
- B. ✅ AIIR (negative pressure room) + N95 respirators — the correct environment for treating an active TB patient.
- C. ❌ For genuine dental emergencies (e.g., airway-threatening infection), treatment cannot be completely refused.
- D. ❌ Antibiotics alone without dental treatment ignores the dental emergency and doesn't address the airborne transmission risk.
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