A 56-year-old woman collects flucloxacillin for cellulitis of the lower leg. She has spreading redness but no sepsis features. She asks what would

Question

A 56-year-old woman collects flucloxacillin for cellulitis of the lower leg. She has spreading redness but no sepsis features. She asks what would mean the treatment is not working. What would you advise the patient?

Accepted Answer

Seek urgent help if redness rapidly spreads, fever develops or symptoms worsen after starting treatment

Answer

Expect redness to double in size before improving

Answer

Stop antibiotics once pain improves after one dose

Answer

Cover the leg tightly with an occlusive dressing

Answer

Avoid fluids until swelling settles

Cellulitis safety net — GPhC CRA MCQ

A 56-year-old woman collects flucloxacillin for cellulitis of the lower leg. She has spreading redness but no sepsis features. She asks what would mean the treatment is not working. What would you advise the patient?