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Necrotizing soft tissue infection — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Necrotizing soft tissue infectionUSMLE Step 3

A 54-year-old man with diabetes has rapidly worsening thigh pain after a minor abrasion. Temperature is 39.2°C, heart rate 124/min, and blood pressure 92/54 mm Hg. The thigh is swollen with dusky skin and pain out of proportion to examination. Creatinine is elevated. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Correct answer: B — Urgent surgical debridement with broad-spectrum antibiotics

Necrotizing soft tissue infection requires immediate surgical debridement plus broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Reference: IDSA skin and soft tissue infection guideline: https://www.idsociety.org/