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SELF/Drainage of Septic Arthritis/Clinical Foundations Quiz

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Instructions

Work through each question carefully to choose the best answer, and submit the quiz to view your results. After completing the quiz, read through the answer explanations to review the reasoning behind both correct and incorrect options.

1

A 10-year-old child presents with a hot, swollen, painful knee, high fever, elevated CRP, and inability to bend the joint. There is no known bleeding disorder. What is the most appropriate next step?

Delay drainage until imaging (MRI) confirms cartilage damage
Begin high-dose IV antibiotics and observe for 24 hours
Give analgesics and immobilize, then reassess in 48 hours
Perform joint aspiration (needle drainage) promptly, send fluid for culture

2

Which of the following conditions is a contraindication (absolute or relative) to performing an arthrotomy or aspiration for suspected septic arthritis?

Controlled coagulopathy with no prior bleeding history
Overlying cellulitis of the skin at the puncture site
Pediatric age, provided the joint can be safely accessed
Suspected juvenile idiopathic arthritis with mild swelling

3

During informed consent, which long-term consequence should be emphasized if drainage is delayed?

Permanent cartilage destruction and chronic arthritis
Increased risk of ligamentous instability only
Conversion to crystalline arthropathy (e.g., gout)
Complete spontaneous resolution without residual damage

4

For a 70-year-old patient with a septic knee, stable vitals, and moderate anxiety, which anesthesia plan is most suitable?

Spinal anesthesia (regional block) is preferred for all knee joints
Intra-articular bupivacaine alone, relying on cooperation
Sedation (e.g., IV sedation) plus local anesthetic infiltration
General anesthesia in all cases to ensure immobility

5

Which of the following items is essential in the sterile tray setup for septic joint drainage and lavage?

Bone biopsy needles for sampling subchondral bone
Tourniquet to occlude blood flow to the limb
Scalpel and closed drainage set (tubing/drain)
Large-bore IV cannula for systemic fluids


Page data
Keywords surgery, health
SDG SDG03 Good health and well-being
Authors Ian-laurel, SELF Tiger Team
License CC-BY-SA-4.0
Organizations WACS, SELF
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 0 pages link here
Redirects WACS Training Modules/Drainage of Septic Arthritis/Clinical Foundations Quiz
Views 10 page views (analytics)
Created October 9, 2025 by KatKor
Last edit March 9, 2026 by Ian-laurel
Cite as KatKor (2025–2026). "SELF/Drainage of Septic Arthritis/Clinical Foundations Quiz". Appropedia. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
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