Skin and Soft Tissue

Question 1

What are the common causative organisms of cellulitis?

Answer 1

Staph aureus, group A (strep pyogenes) and other beta haemolytic strep

Question 2

What testing should be done in skin/soft tissue infections?

Answer 2

If severe/systemic take blood cultures

Swab wound

If to bone take some bone

Question 3

What is the treatment for cellulitis?

Answer 3

IV/PO flucloxacillin 7 days

If penicillin allergic doxycycline

Question 4

What is the main causative organism of acute diabetic foot?

Answer 4

Staph aureus

Question 5

What are the commonest causes of diabetic foot acute on chronic?

Answer 5

Staph aureus, coliforms and anaerobes

Question 6

What is the treatment for mild diabetic foot?

Answer 6

Flucloxacillin or doxycycline

Question 7

What is the treatment for moderate diabetic foot?

Answer 7

Flucloxacillin + metronidazole or doxycycline and metronidazole

Question 8

What is the commonest cause of septic arthritis/osteomyelitis?

Answer 8

Staph aureus

Question 9

What tests should be done in septic arthritis/osteomyelitis?

Answer 9

Send blood cultures (best before antibiotics) Joint aspirates and bone samples

Question 10

What is the treatment of septic arthritis/osteomyelitis?

Answer 10

IV flucloxacillin

Question 11

What is prescribed for open fracture prophylaxis?

Answer 11

IV co-amoxiclav (or IV co-trimoxazole + metronidazole)

start within 3 hours for max 72 hours