Six days after cesarean delivery, a patient has fever, increasing incisional pain, erythema, and purulent drainage. The fascia is intact and there is

Question

Six days after cesarean delivery, a patient has fever, increasing incisional pain, erythema, and purulent drainage. The fascia is intact and there is no crepitus. What is the best next step?

Accepted Answer

Open and drain the wound, culture it, and treat based on severity

Answer

Reclose the incision after expressing the superficial drainage

Answer

Apply topical antifungal treatment, cover the incision, and continue local wound care

Answer

Examine the wound daily and begin antibiotics if fever persists

Answer

Open and culture the wound, then prescribe oral therapy without drainage

Post-cesarean wound infection — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

Six days after cesarean delivery, a patient has fever, increasing incisional pain, erythema, and purulent drainage. The fascia is intact and there is no crepitus. What is the best next step?