skip to main content

Liver Abscess — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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

HardRespiratory InfectionLiver AbscessSCE Infectious Diseases

A 12-F drain is correctly positioned in a pleural infection, but drainage has ceased and CT shows a sizeable residual loculated collection. Surgery is not immediately required and bleeding risk is acceptable. Which intrapleural regimen matches BTS guidance?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Alteplase 10 mg plus dornase alfa 5 mg twice daily for 3 days

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as C · C = shown as D · D = shown as E

D is correct. BTS supports combined intrapleural tPA 10 mg and DNase 5 mg twice daily for 3 days when initial tube drainage leaves a residual collection. A and B omit the synergistic partner and were ineffective as single agents in the pivotal evidence. C substitutes an unsupported open-ended regimen. E exposes the patient to systemic thrombolysis and puts antibiotics in the wrong compartment.

Reference: BTS guideline for pleural disease 2023: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/78/Suppl_3/s1