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 an essential step in suspected septic arthritis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Urgent joint aspiration

Urgent aspiration provides fluid for microscopy, culture, and crystal analysis, while prompt treatment protects cartilage and limits systemic sepsis.

Option by option

  • A. Urgent joint aspiration (correct)

    Correct: aspiration is urgent in suspected septic arthritis.

  • B. Topical emollient

    Emollient treats dry skin, not an infected joint.

  • C. Delay for a week

    Delay risks rapid joint destruction.

  • D. Contact lens review

    Contact lens review is unrelated to joint 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 A, Urgent joint aspiration. Urgent aspiration provides fluid for microscopy, culture, and crystal analysis, while prompt treatment protects cartilage and limits systemic sepsis.

Why is "Topical emollient" not the answer?

Emollient treats dry skin, not an infected joint.

Why is "Delay for a week" not the answer?

Delay risks rapid joint destruction.

Why is "Contact lens review" not the answer?

Contact lens review is unrelated to joint infection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Septic arthritis in Orthopaedics. The correct option holds because: Correct: aspiration is urgent in suspected septic arthritis.

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.