Clenched-fist human bite — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

Correct answer: C — Irrigate, assess tendon and joint involvement, give antibiotics and arrange hand-surgery evaluation

Irrigate, assess tendon and joint involvement, give antibiotics and arrange hand-surgery evaluation is the single best answer because the age, timing, examination findings and investigations in the vignette fit Clenched-fist human bite better than the alternatives. The most tempting distractor is less appropriate because it either treats a neighbouring presentation, delays a time-critical intervention, or ignores a key discriminator in the stem. The remaining options are suboptimal because they would miss the diagnosis, use an investigation or treatment in the wrong sequence, or fail to address safety and follow-up. Canadian practice should be anchored to Canadian emergency medicine guidance, with attention to acuity, safety-netting and local provincial pathways.

Reference: Canadian emergency medicine guidance