Infections and Abscess Treatment

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Questions and Answers

What type of infections are caused by certain organisms in traumatic lacerations or surgical wounds?

Viral infections

Fungal infections

Bacterial infections (correct)

Parasitic infections

Which of the following areas contain Gram-negative resident floras of organisms?

Oropharynx, colon, and rectum (correct)

Urinary tract

Respiratory tract

Skin surface

Which type of organisms are primarily found in the oropharynx of the gastrointestinal tract?

Aerobic and anaerobic organisms (correct)

Fungi and protozoa

Only anaerobic organisms

Only aerobic organisms

What kind of organisms primarily cause infections related to surgical practices?

Pathogenic organisms from the gastrointestinal tract Signup and view all the answers

When discussing the Gram-negative flora in the gastrointestinal tract, which statement is true?

They include both aerobic and anaerobic species Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of placing a drain in an abscess cavity?

To facilitate drainage of pus and promote healing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the condition of the wound after an abscess is treated?

The wound remains open to allow for granulation and healing Signup and view all the answers

What is done with the pus after the abscess cavity is drained?

It is sent for culture and sensitivity testing Signup and view all the answers

What types of drains can be used in an abscess treatment?

Either gauze or rubber drains are acceptable Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step taken in treating an abscess cavity?

Clearing the cavity of pus and washing it Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?

It produces the enzyme penicillinase. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of vancomycin in treating certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus?

It is effective against most strains of MRSA. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor complicates the treatment of infections caused by MRSA?

The production of the enzyme penicillinase. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about MRSA is true?

MRSA poses a serious problem in hospital settings. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of hospital-acquired infections, what is a common resistance mechanism for MRSA?

Enzymatic breakdown of penicillin. Signup and view all the answers

What type of structures are involved in the spread of conditions mentioned, excluding glandular structures?

Muscles and connective tissues Signup and view all the answers

How does the spread occur according to the specified information?

Via fascial planes in continuity Signup and view all the answers

What is stated about lymph node involvement in the specified conditions?

There is no lymph node enlargement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the involvement of glandular structures?

Involvement of glandular structures is explicitly excluded. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of spread when connective tissues and muscles are involved?

Via fascial continuity Signup and view all the answers

What treatment is required when distress is severe?

Surgical decompression Signup and view all the answers

What medication is commonly used for initial therapy to manage oedema?

Dexamethasone Signup and view all the answers

Why is the use of initial steroid therapy considered controversial?

Concerns about long-term effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using dexamethasone in cases of severe distress?

To manage oedema Signup and view all the answers

In the context provided, what might be an implication of the need for surgical decompression?

Failure of conservative treatments Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Infections

Traumatic lacerations and surgical wounds can be infected by certain organisms
The gastrointestinal tract contains both aerobic and anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria in the oropharynx, colon and rectum
Some strains of Staphylococcus aureus are resistant to penicillin due to the presence of penicillinase, this is known as MRSA
MRSA can pose a serious problem, particularly in hospital-acquired infections. Most strains of MRSA are sensitive to vancomycin.

Abscess Treatment

Abscess cavity is cleared of pus and washed with saline
A drain is inserted to allow drainage
The wound is not closed to allow granulation and healing
Pus is sent for culture and sensitivity testing

Abscess Characteristics

Connective tissues, muscles, and fascial spaces are involved, but not glandular structures
Spread occurs via fascial planes in continuity, not by lymphatics, therefore no lymph node enlargement
Surgical decompression is required in cases of severe distress
Initial steroid therapy (dexamethasone) may be beneficial and is often used to reduce edema, even though its use is controversial

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Description

This quiz covers important concepts related to infections, specifically focusing on traumatic lacerations, surgical wound infections, and the characteristics and treatment of abscesses. Topics include MRSA, drainage techniques, and the biological mechanisms of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Test your understanding of infection management in clinical settings!