skip to main content

Asymptomatic Bacteriuria — UKMLA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyGeriatricsAsymptomatic BacteriuriaUKMLAMRCGP AKTPARA

A 7-year-old with atopic eczema has new weeping and crusting across both elbow flexures. He is afebrile, active and eating normally, with no rapidly spreading erythema, significant pain, blisters or punched-out erosions. Which initial treatment combination is most appropriate?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Continue the emollient and appropriate topical corticosteroid, give no routine antibiotic, and provide reassessment advice

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

A is correct because weeping and crusting do not establish that antibiotics will add benefit, and NICE advises against routine topical or oral antibiotics when the person is not systemically unwell; treatment of the underlying eczema should continue. B is incorrect because stopping the topical corticosteroid leaves the inflammatory eczema undertreated. C is incorrect because a topical antibiotic is still an antibiotic and is not routinely indicated in this systemically well child. D is incorrect because systemic treatment is not routinely justified by crusting alone in the absence of systemic illness. E is incorrect because it both unnecessarily withdraws eczema treatment and introduces an antibiotic without the stated indication.

Reference: NICE NG190 secondary bacterial infection of eczema: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng190/chapter/Recommendations