skip to main content

Basal cell carcinoma — CCFP MCQ

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

HardDermatologyBasal cell carcinomaCCFP

A patient with diabetes has rapidly progressive leg pain out of proportion to examination, edema beyond faint erythema, hypotension and rising lactate. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Start broad intravenous antibiotics and obtain emergency surgical consultation for debridement

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · E = shown as B · A = shown as C · B = shown as D · C = shown as E

E is correct. Suspected necrotizing soft-tissue infection is a surgical emergency: resuscitation, broad empiric antibiotics and immediate operative assessment proceed together, and imaging must not delay source control. A treats severe deep infection as simple cellulitis. B waits for late insensitive signs. C makes confirmation a prerequisite despite shock. D provides inadequate source control and delays antimicrobials. Cultures guide later narrowing, but early survival depends on rapid debridement and sepsis care.

Reference: Emergency Care BC: Necrotizing soft-tissue infection: https://emergencycarebc.ca/clinical_resource/clinical-summary/necrotizing-fasciitis/