Deck 42: Cutaneous Abscess Management

Question 1

Incision and drainage alone without antibiotic therapy is appropriate when there is no evidence of surrounding cellulitis, systemic signs of infection, and when the patient is otherwise healthy.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Which of the following organisms are most commonly the cause of skin abscesses?

A) MRSA and MSSA
B) Streptococcus viridens
C) Pseudomonas aerugenosa
D) Beta-hemolytic streptococcus

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Your patient is a 26-year-old healthy man with a 4 cm fluctuant abscess without cellulitis on the left buttock. He denies injection drug use. His vital signs are normal. Which of the following choices is the best treatment for this patient?

A) Incision and drainage + vancomycin
B) Incision and drainage
C) Warm compresses
D) Cephalexin 500vmg 4 times daily

Answer 3

B

Question 4

A 32-year-old man presents to an urgent care clinic with pain, localized redness, and swelling to the right inner thigh. There is a well-circumscribed area of induration and erythema on exam. The best diagnostic test to evaluate for a fluid collection is:

A) Magnetic resonance imaging
B) Plain films of the right thigh
C) Ultrasound
D) Computerized tomography scan

Question 5

A 32-year-old man presents to an urgent care clinic with pain, localized redness, and swelling to the right inner thigh. There is a well-circumscribed area of induration and erythema on exam. You performed an incision and drainage. When would you instruct the patient to return for a wound check?

A) 24 hours
B) 48-72 hours
C) 4 days
D) 1 week