Medical Emergencies · single question
What is the FIRST step in management?
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Correct answer: A. Contact the oncologist to clarify patient's current status
Before any dental procedure on a patient undergoing chemotherapy, you MUST contact the oncologist. You need to know: current WBC count (neutropenia risk), platelet count (bleeding risk), whether treatment will be suspended, and if prophylactic antibiotics are needed. Myelosuppressed patients are at high risk for infection and hemorrhage. Never treat without medical clearance.
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