Infection Control · single question
How should an HIV-positive patient be treated in the dental office?
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Correct answer: D. Standard universal (standard) precautions
- A. High-level disinfection is for semi-critical instruments that cannot be sterilized (endoscopes) — not specifically for HIV patients.
- B. Double gloves are not required for HIV-positive patients under standard precautions.
- C. Disposable instruments are not required specifically for HIV patients — standard sterilization protocols suffice.
- D. HIV-positive patients are treated with STANDARD UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS — the same infection control protocols used for ALL patients. Standard precautions assume all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious, regardless of HIV status. This is the CDC and ADA-recommended approach. No additional special precautions are required for HIV-positive patients specifically.
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