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Long-term oxygen therapy — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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HardCOPDLong-term oxygen therapySCE Respiratory

A patient with a radiographically visible pulmonary arteriovenous malformation is scheduled for dental extraction. The PAVM has not yet been embolised and the patient previously had a cerebral abscess. Which precaution follows the BTS statement?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Provide antibiotic prophylaxis for the dental procedure and meticulous avoidance of intravenous air

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · C = shown as B · B = shown as C · E = shown as D · A = shown as E

C is correct. PAVMs permit systemic passage of bacteria and air that would normally be filtered in the pulmonary capillary bed. BTS therefore advises antibiotic prophylaxis for dental and surgical procedures that can cause bacteraemia, meticulous dental hygiene and care to avoid intravenous air; the prior cerebral abscess makes the mechanism clinically explicit but is not required for the precaution. Anticoagulation does not prevent septic embolisation, oxygen saturation does not determine prophylaxis, and venesection is reserved for symptomatic hyperviscosity rather than routine procedural preparation.

Reference: https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/document-library/clinical-statements/pavm/bts-clinical-statement-on-pulmonary-arteriovenous-malformations-pavms/