MSK EM Exam Study Questions Solved 100% Correct |Latest Update

A 34-year-old man presents with a 2-day history of right ankle pain and swelling. He reports experiencing discomfort with bearing weight, ambulation, and when driving a car. On further questioning, he denies experiencing a recent trauma, although he does recall spraining his ankle approximately 1 year ago. The patient is not married and is heterosexual; he usually uses condoms as contraception, "but not every time." On physical examination, the patient's temperature is 99.9°F. His right ankle shows swelling, is warm to palpation, and reveals an effusion. With passive range of motion of the right ankle, significant pain is elicited. Question What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient? - Answer Perform arthrocentesis of right ankle with analysis of synovial fluid. (must do additional work-up to r/o septic arthritis d/t low-grade fever, acute sx's, and lack of trauma)