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Infection Control · single question

If a patient with ACTIVE tuberculosis requires EMERGENCY dental treatment, what is required?

  1. Treat in the regular operatory with quaternary ammonium pre-treatment
  2. Defer treatment regardless of emergency
  3. Treatment in an isolated, negative pressure room with N95 respirators
  4. Standard precautions with surgical mask
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Correct answer: C. Treatment in an isolated, negative pressure room with N95 respirators

  • A. Quaternary ammonium compounds address surface contamination, not airborne transmission.
  • B. Life-threatening dental emergencies cannot be deferred indefinitely; proper isolation allows safe treatment.
  • C. Correct. If emergency dental treatment is absolutely necessary for a patient with active TB, it must be performed in an ISOLATED, NEGATIVE PRESSURE room with N95 respirators (not surgical masks) for all clinical staff. This minimizes airborne transmission risk.
  • D. A surgical mask does not filter airborne droplet nuclei (<5 μm) — an N95 respirator is required for active TB.

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