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Septic arthritis — PARA MCQ

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HardMusculoskeletal - InfectionSeptic arthritisPARA

A 60-year-old woman has a painful hot swollen knee and fever. She has rheumatoid arthritis. Synovial fluid is cloudy with high neutrophils and Gram-positive cocci. What is the most appropriate management?

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

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Correct answer: A — Urgent orthopaedic or rheumatology review, joint drainage and IV antibiotics

Septic arthritis causes a hot swollen joint with systemic features and infected synovial fluid. It requires urgent drainage and IV antibiotics.

Reference: NICE CKS: Septic arthritis; BSR hot swollen joint guidance