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Intra-Abdominal Sepsis — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardHealthcare-Associated InfectionsIntra-Abdominal SepsisSCE Infectious Diseases

After colorectal surgery, a patient has a drainable intra-abdominal collection growing Bacteroides fragilis. Which management principle is essential?

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Correct answer: E — Drain the collection plus systemic anaerobic and enteric Gram-negative cover

The best answer is “Drain the collection plus systemic anaerobic and enteric Gram-negative cover”. Intra-abdominal infection requires source control plus an active regimen such as a suitable beta-lactam/beta-lactamase-inhibitor combination or metronidazole paired with Gram-negative cover. Sepsis care combines urgent risk-stratified antimicrobials with cultures where this does not delay treatment and documented review, narrowing or stopping when evidence changes.

Reference: NICE NG253: suspected sepsis in people aged 16 or over: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng253/chapter/Recommendations