Question 3:
A patient presents with unilateral knee pain and swelling. What is the next best step in management?
• A) Start antibiotics empirically
• B) MRI of the knee
• C) Joint aspiration
• D) Steroid injection
• E) Rest and ice application
• Answer: C) Joint aspiration
Explanation: The combination of unilateral knee pain and swelling is highly suggestive of septic arthritis, a medical emergency. Joint aspiration is crucial to obtain synovial fluid for analysis, which helps in diagnosing the infection and guiding appropriate treatment. Empirical antibiotics can be started after the aspiration. MRI and steroids are not first-line approaches in suspected septic arthritis.
These questions are now formatted with five options, correct answers, and explanations. Let me know if you need further assistance!