Question 1

A patient is diagnoses with peritonsillar abscess and will be hospitalized for intravenous antibiotics. What additional treatment will be required?&#10;A) Intubation to protect the airway&#10;B) Needle aspiration of the abscess&#10;C) Systemic corticosteroid administration&#10;D) Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

Accepted Answer

Needle aspiration of the abscess is the additional treatment required for a patient diagnosed with peritonsillar abscess who is hospitalized for intravenous antibiotics. Aspiration may be repeated, as needed, until the abscess is drained. Intubation may be necessary in severe cases, but it is not directly related to the treatment of the abscess. Systemic corticosteroids are not routinely recommended, and tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are not typically performed during hospitalization for peritonsillar abscess.

Question 2

An adolescent presents with fever, chills, and a severe sore throat. On exam, the provider notes foul-smelling breath and a muffled voice with marked edema and erythema of the peritonsillar tissue. What will the primary care provider do?

A) Evaluate for possible epiglottitis.
B) Perform a rapid strep and throat culture.
C) Prescribe empirical oral antibiotics.
D) Refer the patient to an otolaryngologist.

D

Accepted Answer

The symptoms and examination findings suggest a peritonsillar abscess, which requires drainage by an otolaryngologist.

Deck 82: Peritonsillar Abscess