A 35-year-old man presents with acute onset of a hot, swollen knee that is very painful to move. He is febrile at 38.9°C. What is the most appropriate...

Question

A 35-year-old man presents with acute onset of a hot, swollen knee that is very painful to move. He is febrile at 38.9°C. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent joint aspiration and start empirical intravenous antibiotics

Answer

Start oral NSAIDs and review in a week

Answer

Offer physiotherapy only

Answer

Prescribe oral steroids and delay aspiration

Answer

Arrange routine rheumatology clinic in 3 months

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Septic arthritis

A 35-year-old man presents with acute onset of a hot, swollen knee that is very painful to move. He is febrile at 38.9°C. What is the most appropriate next step?