Septic arthritis: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Septic arthritis

Sample item

What is the priority when septic arthritis is suspected?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Urgent joint aspiration and treatment

Septic arthritis can rapidly destroy cartilage and cause sepsis, so urgent aspiration for analysis and timely antimicrobial and drainage management are essential.

Option by option

  • A. Apply topical emollient

    Emollient treats dry skin, not infected synovial fluid.

  • B. Start exercises only

    Exercise alone can worsen pain and delay source control.

  • C. Urgent joint aspiration and treatment (correct)

    Correct: urgent aspiration and treatment protect the joint and patient.

  • D. Wait for spontaneous recovery

    Waiting risks permanent cartilage damage and systemic infection.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Urgent joint aspiration and treatment. Septic arthritis can rapidly destroy cartilage and cause sepsis, so urgent aspiration for analysis and timely antimicrobial and drainage management are essential.

Why is "Apply topical emollient" not the answer?

Emollient treats dry skin, not infected synovial fluid.

Why is "Start exercises only" not the answer?

Exercise alone can worsen pain and delay source control.

Why is "Wait for spontaneous recovery" not the answer?

Waiting risks permanent cartilage damage and systemic infection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Septic arthritis in Orthopaedics. The correct option holds because: Correct: urgent aspiration and treatment protect the joint and patient.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Septic arthritis?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.