A 63-year-old woman presents with severe pain, swelling and erythema of the left thigh, rapidly progressing over 6 hours. She is febrile, hypotensive ...

Question

A 63-year-old woman presents with severe pain, swelling and erythema of the left thigh, rapidly progressing over 6 hours. She is febrile, hypotensive and complains of pain out of proportion to findings with areas of skin discolouration. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Urgent surgical consultation and broad-spectrum IV antibiotics

Answer

Oral dicloxacillin and review in 24 hours

Answer

Topical antiseptic dressings and outpatient care

Answer

Await MRI before any intervention

Answer

Discharge with NSAIDs and instructions to return if worse

au-acem MCQ (SBA): Necrotising fasciitis

A 63-year-old woman presents with severe pain, swelling and erythema of the left thigh, rapidly progressing over 6 hours. She is febrile, hypotensive and complains of pain out of proportion to findings with areas of skin discolouration. What is the most appropriate immediate management?