Patient Safety & LawQuestion 99 of 100
A pregnant patient needs a radiograph to diagnose a painful, swollen molar. What is the correct approach?
a.Take the necessary radiograph using a lead apron with thyroid collar and the fastest receptor, since needed diagnostic imaging is not contraindicated by pregnancy
b.Refuse all imaging until after delivery, regardless of symptoms
c.Take a full-mouth series to document the entire condition
d.Double the exposure time to compensate for the lead apron
Explanation
Pregnancy does not contraindicate a radiograph that is needed for diagnosis; the image should be taken with proper shielding, a fast receptor, and the fewest exposures necessary. Refusing all imaging can delay treatment of an active infection that itself endangers the patient. A full-mouth series is unnecessary for a single symptomatic tooth, and increasing exposure time raises dose without any benefit.
Law Reference: FDA/ADA Dental Radiographic Examinations: Recommendations for Patient Selection and Limiting Radiation ExposurePractice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
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