A 62‑year‑old with a plantar ulcer probing to bone and surrounding cellulitis has fever 38.6 °C. X‑ray shows cortical erosion. What initial management...

Question

A 62‑year‑old with a plantar ulcer probing to bone and surrounding cellulitis has fever 38.6 °C. X‑ray shows cortical erosion. What initial management is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Immediate IV broad‑spectrum antibiotics with MRSA and gram‑negative coverage and urgent surgical evaluation

Answer

Topical antibiotics and off‑loading only

Answer

Oral cephalexin for 5 days

Answer

Wait for bone biopsy before any antibiotics

Answer

Outpatient doxycycline monotherapy for 14 days

us-abim MCQ (SBA): Diabetic Foot Infection

A 62‑year‑old with a plantar ulcer probing to bone and surrounding cellulitis has fever 38.6 °C. X‑ray shows cortical erosion. What initial management is appropriate?