Leprosy: nerve abscess: practice question

A Dermatology 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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Dermatology · Leprosy: nerve abscess

Sample item

A patient with tuberculoid leprosy has a tender fluctuant swelling of the ulnar nerve with rapid loss of function. What is the next appropriate step?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Corticosteroids, and surgical decompression if no response

A nerve abscess is a complication of tuberculoid and borderline leprosy that threatens nerve function. Corticosteroids are tried first and surgical decompression of the nerve is done if there is no improvement or if the abscess is large.

Option by option

  • A. Increase dapsone dose

    Dapsone dose escalation does not help.

  • B. Immediate nerve excision

    Excision would cause permanent loss.

  • C. Observation only

    Observation risks permanent paralysis.

  • D. Corticosteroids, and surgical decompression if no response (correct)

    Correct. Steroids and decompression are used to save nerve function.

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.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, Corticosteroids, and surgical decompression if no response. A nerve abscess is a complication of tuberculoid and borderline leprosy that threatens nerve function.

Why is "Increase dapsone dose" not the answer?

Dapsone dose escalation does not help.

Why is "Immediate nerve excision" not the answer?

Excision would cause permanent loss.

Why is "Observation only" not the answer?

Observation risks permanent paralysis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Leprosy: nerve abscess in Dermatology. Corticosteroids are tried first and surgical decompression of the nerve is done if there is no improvement or if the abscess is large.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Leprosy: nerve abscess?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology 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.