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Diabetic foot infection — ABFM Board MCQ

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HardEndocrine/MetabolicDiabetic foot infectionABFM Board

A 64-year-old man with diabetes has a plantar ulcer with surrounding erythema, warmth, and purulent drainage. He is afebrile and pulses are present. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

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

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Correct answer: E — Culture after debridement and start empiric antibiotics covering gram-positive organisms

An infected diabetic foot ulcer requires debridement, appropriate culture, empiric antibiotics, and assessment for deeper infection.

Reference: ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026: https://professional.diabetes.org/standards-of-care