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Superficial surgical site infection — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Superficial surgical site infectionUSMLE Step 3

A 66-year-old man is 2 weeks after open inguinal hernia repair. He has increasing incisional erythema, warmth, tenderness, and purulent drainage. Temperature is 38.4 C and WBC count is 14,000/microL. The fascia is intact. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Correct answer: D — Open the superficial incision for drainage and give appropriate antibiotics

Purulent superficial surgical site infection requires opening the incision for drainage, culture when appropriate, and antibiotics when systemic signs or surrounding cellulitis are present.

Reference: ACS/SHEA/SAGES surgical guidance