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 most appropriate next step for a hot, swollen joint with fever and suspected septic arthritis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Urgent joint aspiration and specialist assessment

Septic arthritis can rapidly damage cartilage and requires urgent aspiration for analysis and prompt coordinated treatment.

Option by option

  • A. Reassure and review in one month

    Delay risks joint destruction and systemic infection.

  • B. Start physiotherapy only

    Physiotherapy does not treat an infected joint.

  • C. Apply a splint without further evaluation

    Immobilization alone leaves the infection untreated.

  • D. Urgent joint aspiration and specialist assessment (correct)

    Correct: aspiration supports diagnosis and urgent treatment.

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 D, Urgent joint aspiration and specialist assessment. Septic arthritis can rapidly damage cartilage and requires urgent aspiration for analysis and prompt coordinated treatment.

Why is "Reassure and review in one month" not the answer?

Delay risks joint destruction and systemic infection.

Why is "Start physiotherapy only" not the answer?

Physiotherapy does not treat an infected joint.

Why is "Apply a splint without further evaluation" not the answer?

Immobilization alone leaves the infection untreated.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Septic arthritis in Orthopaedics. The correct option holds because: Correct: aspiration supports diagnosis and urgent treatment.

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.