skip to main content

Prosthetic joint septic arthritis — RCPSC EM MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardMusculoskeletalProsthetic joint septic arthritisRCPSC EM

A 2-year-old is drooling after a suspected coin ingestion. Radiographs show a double-ringed object lodged in the oesophagus. What is the most appropriate next step?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: DArrange emergent endoscopic removal for an oesophageal button battery

The best answer is “Arrange emergent endoscopic removal for an oesophageal button battery”. A double-ringed coin-shaped object is a button battery until proved otherwise. A button battery in the oesophagus requires emergent removal because tissue injury progresses rapidly, even if the child initially looks stable. Observation, laxatives and delayed imaging or endoscopy are appropriate for selected lower-risk objects, not this one.

Reference: Emergency Care BC: Foreign Body Ingestion—Diagnosis and Treatment: https://emergencycarebc.ca/clinical_resource/clinical-summary/foreign-body-ingestion-diagnosis-treatment/