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Pharmacology · single question

What is the minimum criteria to consider when minimizing opioid addiction risk in dental patients?

  1. Always prescribe the maximum opioid dose to ensure pain control
  2. Patient history of addiction contraindicates any pain medication
  3. Prefer non-opioid analgesics over opioids whenever clinically possible
  4. Opioids are safe when prescribed for fewer than 7 days
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Correct answer: C. Prefer non-opioid analgesics over opioids whenever clinically possible

  • A. Prescribing maximum doses increases addiction risk and is contrary to opioid stewardship principles.
  • B. Patients with substance use history need careful assessment and may still need pain management — complete restriction is not appropriate or ethical.
  • C. Correct. CDC and ADA guidelines recommend preferring non-opioid analgesics (NSAIDs, acetaminophen) as first-line pain management for dental pain whenever clinically appropriate, reserving opioids for cases where non-opioids are insufficient.
  • D. Duration alone does not determine addiction risk; even short-course opioids can initiate opioid use disorder in susceptible individuals.

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