Orbit: orbital cellulitis: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Orbit: orbital cellulitis

Sample item

A child with sinusitis has fever, painful proptosis, ophthalmoplegia and reduced vision. What is the next best step?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. CT of the orbit and sinuses with intravenous antibiotics

Orbital cellulitis lies behind the orbital septum, and proptosis, pain on movement and reduced vision distinguish it from preseptal disease. Imaging identifies subperiosteal abscess, and antibiotics are intravenous.

Option by option

  • A. Topical steroids

    Steroids would worsen infection.

  • B. CT of the orbit and sinuses with intravenous antibiotics (correct)

    Correct. Imaging and IV antibiotics are needed.

  • C. Lumbar puncture only

    Lumbar puncture is not the first step.

  • D. Oral antibiotics and review in a week

    Oral therapy is inadequate for orbital involvement.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is B, CT of the orbit and sinuses with intravenous antibiotics. Orbital cellulitis lies behind the orbital septum, and proptosis, pain on movement and reduced vision distinguish it from preseptal disease.

Why is "Topical steroids" not the answer?

Steroids would worsen infection.

Why is "Lumbar puncture only" not the answer?

Lumbar puncture is not the first step.

Why is "Oral antibiotics and review in a week" not the answer?

Oral therapy is inadequate for orbital involvement.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orbit: orbital cellulitis in Ophthalmology. Imaging identifies subperiosteal abscess, and antibiotics are intravenous.

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 Orbit: orbital cellulitis?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.