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dx.
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Interpretation guide
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Soft Tissue Infection Concern
Resuscitation and Universal Approaches
Approach to Unresponsive Patient
Approach to Airway Obstruction And Stridor
Approach to Acute Respiratory Distress With Impending Failure
Approach to Peri-arrest Hypotension
Approach to Post Resuscitation Care After Rosc
Approach to Cardiac Arrest Rhythms, Pea, Asystole
Approach to Cardiac Arrest Rhythms, Vf, Pulseless Vt
Approach to Severe Agitation With Safety Risk
Approach to Procedural Sedation
Chest and Cardiovascular
Approach to Pacemaker And Icd Related Presentations
Approach to Acute Limb Ischemia And Leg Pain
Approach to Suspected Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms
Approach to Hypertension
Approach to Chest Pain
Approach to Palpitations And Tachyarrhythmia Symptoms
Approach to Bradycardia Symptoms
Approach to Syncope And Presyncope
Approach to Syncope With Neurologic Concern
Approach to Unilateral Leg Swelling
Approach to Bilateral Leg Swelling
Approach to Calf Pain And Swelling
Respiratory
Approach to Wheezing, Undifferentiated
Approach to Wheezing In Infants
Approach to Stridor And Upper Airway Symptoms
Approach to Dyspnea
Approach to Aspiration Event
Approach to Cough
Approach to Hemoptysis
Approach to Upper Respiratory Infection Symptoms
Approach to Suspected Pulmonary Embolism Presentation
Approach to Smoke Inhalation Concern
Approach to Smoke Exposure And Inhalational Injury
Abdominal and Gastrointestinal
Approach to Abdominal Distension
Approach to Abdominal Pain, Undifferentiated
Approach to Acute Abdominal Pain (general)
Approach to Suspected Incarcerated Or Strangulated Hernia
Approach to Pancreatitis Concern
Approach to Biliary Colic And Cholecystitis Concern
Approach to Appendicitis Concern
Approach to Diverticulitis Concern
Approach to Rectal Pain And Anorectal Complaints
Approach to Dysphagia And Food Bolus Impaction
Approach to Foreign Body Ingestion
Approach to Refractory Vomiting And Recurrent Vomiting Syndromes
Approach to Cannabis Associated Hyperemesis
Approach to Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Symptoms (melena)
Approach to Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding And Hematochezia
Approach to Constipation And Obstipation
Approach to Diarrhea
Approach to Acute Hepatitis And Jaundice Concern
Approach to Right Upper Quadrant Pain
Approach to Epigastric Pain
Approach to Left Upper Quadrant Pain
Approach to Right Lower Quadrant Pain
Approach to Left Lower Quadrant Pain
Approach to Suprapubic Pain
Renal and Urinary
Approach to Oliguria And Anuria
Approach to Catheter Related Urinary Complaints
Approach to Dialysis Patient Presentations
Approach to Flank Pain And Renal Colic Concern
Approach to Urinary Retention
Approach to Hematuria
Approach to Scrotal Pain
Neurologic
Approach to Transient Neurologic Deficits
Approach to Acute Aphasia And Speech Disturbance
Approach to Acute Confusion And Delirium
Approach to Postictal State And Seizure Recurrence Concern
Approach to Seizure
Approach to Acute Vision Loss
Approach to New Tremor And Involuntary Movements
Approach to Headache
Approach to Vertigo
Approach to Acute Weakness Or Numbness
Approach to Gait Instability And Ataxia
Back and Neck
Approach to Atraumatic Back Pain
Approach to Sciatica And Radicular Back Pain
Approach to Back Pain With Neurologic Deficit, Cauda Equina Concern
Approach to Back Pain With Fever Or Immunosuppression, Spinal Infection Concern
Approach to Atraumatic Neck Pain
Approach to Neck Pain After Trauma
Approach to Neck Pain With Meningismus Concern
Approach to Acute Torticollis
Women's Health, Pregnancy, and GU
Approach to Vaginal Discharge
Approach to Hyperemesis Gravidarum Concern
Approach to Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy Symptoms
Approach to Postpartum Hemorrhage Concern
Approach to Postpartum Infection Concern
Approach to Sexual Assault Medical Evaluation Overview
Approach to Pelvic Pain
Approach to Vaginal Bleeding, Nonpregnant
Approach to Vaginal Bleeding In Pregnancy
Approach to Pelvic Pain In Pregnancy
Approach to Post Procedure Or Post Abortion Complications Concern
Infectious Disease and Fever Syndromes
Approach to Fever In The Immunocompromised Patient
Approach to Fever With Rash
Approach to Animal Bites And Rabies Risk Assessment
Approach to Tick Exposure And Tick Borne Illness Concern
Approach to Sepsis Concern Without Clear Source
Approach to Soft Tissue Infection Concern
Approach to Abscess And Skin Infection Concern
Approach to Sore Throat
Approach to Sore Throat And Pharyngitis Symptoms
Approach to Meningitis
Approach to Envenomation And Bites
Allergy and Dermatology
Approach to Pruritus Without Rash
Approach to Contact Dermatitis And Eczema Flare
Approach to Herpes Zoster Concern
Approach to Drug Eruption Concern And Severe Cutaneous Reaction Red Flags
Approach to Urticaria
Approach to Angioedema Concern
Approach to Unexplained Bruising Or Bleeding Symptoms
Musculoskeletal and Extremities
Approach to Shoulder Pain
Approach to Elbow Pain
Approach to Wrist Pain
Approach to Hand Pain
Approach to Hip Pain
Approach to Knee Pain
Approach to Ankle Pain
Approach to Foot Pain
Approach to Cast Or Splint Complication Symptoms
Approach to Wound Check And Suture Related Visits
Approach to Joint Swelling And Monoarthritis
Approach to Suspected Septic Joint Presentation
Approach to Suspected Tendon Rupture Presentation
Approach to Limp Or Refusal To Bear Weight
Trauma and Wounds
Approach to Motor Vehicle Collision Evaluation
Approach to Chest Wall Trauma And Rib Injury
Approach to Blunt Abdominal Trauma Evaluation
Approach to Penetrating Trauma Evaluation
Approach to Pediatric Minor Head Trauma
Approach to Pediatric Head Trauma
Approach to Facial Lacerations And Dental Trauma
Approach to Hand Lacerations With Tendon Injury Concern
Approach to Puncture Wounds And Retained Foreign Body Concern
Approach to Electrical Injury
Approach to Burn Injury
Approach to Fall Evaluation
Approach to Assault And Interpersonal Violence Evaluation
Approach to Eye Trauma And Hyphema Concern
ENT, Eye, Dental
Approach to Dysphagia And Odynophagia
Approach to Throat Pain
Approach to Ear Pain
Approach to Foreign Body In Ear Or Nose
Approach to Vision Loss Complaint
Approach to Flashes And Floaters
Approach to Atraumatic Eye Pain
Approach to Red Eye
Approach to Dental Abscess Concern
Approach to Post Extraction Pain And Complications
Endocrine, Metabolic, and Abnormal Labs
Approach to Hyperglycemia
Approach to Hypoglycemia
Approach to Hyponatremia Symptoms
Approach to Hyperkalemia Symptoms
Approach to Hypokalemia Symptoms
Approach to Rhabdomyolysis Concern
Approach to Anticoagulation Related Abnormal Coagulation Studies
Approach to Acute Kidney Injury And Elevated Creatinine Referral
Approach to Symptomatic Anemia Concern
Toxicology and Behavioral
Approach to Undifferentiated Overdose
Approach to Opioid Toxicity
Approach to Opioid Withdrawal
Approach to Alcohol Intoxication
Approach to Alcohol Withdrawal
Approach to Stimulant Toxicity
Approach to Pediatric Ingestion
Approach to Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Approach to Inhalational Or Chemical Exposure
Approach to Suicidal Ideation And Self Harm Risk Assessment
Approach to Acute Psychosis And Mania Symptoms
Approach to Anxiety And Panic Symptoms
Approach to Capacity Assessment And Safe Disposition
Approach to Behavioral Escalation And Restraint Considerations
Pediatrics
Approach to Fever In The Neonate And Young Infant
Approach to Pediatric Fever By Age 0 To 28 Days
Approach to Pediatric Fever By Age 29 To 60 Days
Approach to Pediatric Fever By Age 2 To 24 Months
Approach to Pediatric Respiratory Distress
Approach to Croup And Stridor In Children
Approach to Pediatric Dehydration
Approach to Pediatric Abdominal Pain
Approach to Febrile Seizure
Approach to Rash In The Child
Approach to Poor Feeding And Lethargy In The Infant
Approach to Vomiting In The Child
Approach to Diarrhea In The Child
Approach to Pediatric Trauma Evaluation
Approach to Brief Resolved Unexplained Event In The Infant And Apparent Life Threatening Event Concern
Approach to Lethargy And Altered Mental Status In The Child
Environmental and Exposure
Approach to Heat Illness
Approach to Hypothermia And Cold Exposure
Approach to Frostbite Concern
Approach to Drowning And Submersion Injury
Soft Tissue Infection Concern
POCUS
Procedures
Calculators
Resuscitation
ECG Guide
Back
Clinical Assessment Checklist
Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
History
Presenting concern and context
Soft tissue infection context
▶
Location and laterality
Depth concern
▶
Superficial skin
Subcutaneous
Deep fascia
Muscle
Time course
▶
Hours
Days
Weeks
Progression pattern
▶
Rapidly expanding erythema
Stepwise worsening
Recurrent flares
OPQRST
Symptom characterization
▶
Onset
▶
Sudden
Gradual
Provocation and palliation
▶
Worse with dependent position
Worse with movement
Relief with elevation
Relief with analgesics
Quality
▶
Burning
Throbbing
Deep ache
Pain out of proportion
Region and radiation
▶
Localized
Proximal spread
Lymphangitic streaking
Severity
▶
Functional limitation
Unable to bear weight
Timing
▶
Constant
Intermittent
Worse at night
Associated symptoms
Systemic features
▶
Fever
Chills and rigors
Malaise
Myalgias
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion
Source and portal of entry
Entry mechanism
▶
Trauma
▶
Laceration
Abrasion
Crush injury
Insect or arthropod bite
Animal bite
Injection
▶
IV drug use
IM injection
Skin disease
▶
Tinea pedis
Eczema
Ulcer
Procedure related
▶
Recent surgery
Recent tattoo or piercing
Prior episodes and baseline
Recurrence and baseline status
▶
Prior cellulitis episodes
Prior abscess and drainage
Prior necrotizing infection
Prior colonization
▶
MRSA history
Household MRSA
Baseline mobility and function
Alarm Features
Immediate escalation triggers
Time critical features
▶
Hypotension
▶
Systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg
MAP less than 65 mmHg
Tachycardia
▶
Heart rate 120 or more
Rising trend despite fluids
Respiratory compromise
▶
Oxygen saturation less than 92 percent on room air
Increased work of breathing
Altered mental status
▶
New confusion
Lethargy
Sepsis physiology
▶
Lactate 2 mmol/L or more
Lactate 4 mmol/L or more
Necrotizing soft tissue infection red flags
High risk necrotizing indicators
▶
Pain out of proportion
Rapid progression within hours
Skin findings
▶
Bullae
Skin anesthesia
Dusky discoloration
Crepitus
Systemic toxicity
▶
Rigors
Delirium
Failure of outpatient antibiotics within 24 to 48 hours
Complicated limb infection red flags
Limb threat features
▶
Compartment syndrome concern
▶
Pain with passive stretch
Tense compartments
Septic arthritis concern
▶
Severe pain with range of motion
Effusion
Osteomyelitis concern
▶
Chronic ulcer
Exposed bone
Vascular compromise
▶
Cool limb
Absent pulses
Special population red flags
High consequence hosts
▶
Immunocompromised
▶
Neutropenia
Transplant
High dose steroids
Diabetes with foot infection
▶
Systemic signs
Deep ulcer
Dialysis patient
▶
Vascular access infection concern
Bacteremia risk
Pregnancy
▶
Severe systemic signs
Rapid progression
Medications
Current medications and risk interactions
Medication reconciliation
▶
Antibiotics in last 30 days
Anticoagulants
▶
Warfarin
DOACs
Immunosuppressants
▶
Prednisone
Biologics
Chemotherapy
Diabetes medications
▶
Insulin
SGLT2 inhibitors
Analgesics and antipyretics
▶
NSAIDs
Acetaminophen
Antibiotic allergy details
Beta lactam allergy characterization
▶
Anaphylaxis features
Severe cutaneous adverse reaction history
Intolerance only
Outpatient antibiotics and response
Recent antimicrobials
▶
Agent and dose
Start date and number of doses
Clinical response pattern
Diet
Intake and hydration
Nutrition and hydration status
▶
Oral intake tolerance
Reduced intake due to pain or nausea
Dehydration indicators
▶
Reduced urine output
Orthostasis
Exposure related factors
Diet exposures affecting management
▶
Alcohol use pattern
Caffeine and energy drinks
Poor protein intake and wound healing concern
Review of Systems
Infectious and inflammatory
Systemic infection symptoms
▶
Fever
Chills
Night sweats
Weight loss
Cardiopulmonary
Perfusion and respiratory symptoms
▶
Dyspnea
Chest pain
Palpitations
Syncope
Neurologic
Neuro and toxicity symptoms
▶
Headache
Confusion
Weakness
Focal deficits
Local limb symptoms
Regional symptoms
▶
Increasing pain
Numbness or anesthesia
Reduced range of motion
Drainage
Collateral History and Family History
Collateral and exposure history
Additional sources
▶
Caregiver report
Facility staff report
Photos of progression
Household and contact risks
Transmission and exposure
▶
Sick contacts with skin infection
Household MRSA
Shared equipment
▶
Gym
Team sports
Family history relevant to mimics
Predisposing conditions
▶
Venous thromboembolism history in first degree relative
Hereditary angioedema history
Risk Factors
Host risk factors
Comorbid and immune risks
▶
Diabetes mellitus (E11.9)
Chronic kidney disease (N18.9)
Cirrhosis (K74.60)
HIV infection (B20)
Obesity (E66.9)
Chronic edema and lymphedema
Exposure and portal risks
Entry and exposure risks
▶
Tinea pedis and interdigital fissures
Chronic wounds and ulcers
Peripheral neuropathy
IV drug use
Recent marine water exposure
Procedure and device related
Iatrogenic risks
▶
Recent surgery within 30 days
Indwelling line or vascular access
Orthopedic hardware
Thrombosis and bleeding risk context
Mimic and complication risks
▶
Recent immobility
Active malignancy (C80.1)
Anticoagulation use
Differential Diagnosis
Life threatening
Cannot miss diagnoses
▶
Necrotizing soft tissue infection (M72.6)
▶
Pain out of proportion
Rapid progression
Systemic toxicity
Sepsis (A41.9)
▶
Hypotension
Lactate elevation
Septic arthritis (M00.9)
▶
Severe pain with passive range
Effusion
Compartment syndrome (T79.A0)
▶
Pain with passive stretch
Tense compartments
Common
High probability diagnoses
▶
Cellulitis (L03.90)
▶
Diffuse erythema and warmth
No drainable collection
Cutaneous abscess (L02.91)
▶
Fluctuance
Focal tenderness
Infected wound or ulcer (L08.9)
▶
Purulence
Surrounding cellulitis
Diabetic foot infection (E11.621)
▶
Plantar ulcer
Neuropathy
Less common and special exposures
Lower frequency diagnoses
▶
Erysipelas (A46)
▶
Sharply demarcated erythema
Facial involvement
Suppurative thrombophlebitis
▶
Line site tenderness
Persistent bacteremia
Vibrio vulnificus wound infection
▶
Marine water exposure
Bullae
Clostridial myonecrosis (A48.0)
▶
Crepitus
Severe toxicity
Mimics
Non infectious alternatives
▶
Deep vein thrombosis (I82.409)
▶
Unilateral swelling
Risk factors for thrombosis
Contact dermatitis (L23.9)
▶
Itch predominant
Vesicles
Gout flare (M10.9)
▶
Joint centered pain
Prior gout history
Venous stasis dermatitis (I87.2)
▶
Bilateral changes
Chronic edema
Past Medical History
Relevant conditions and prior complications
Chronic disease context
▶
Prior MRSA infection
Recurrent cellulitis
Prior necrotizing infection
Prior bacteremia or endocarditis
Surgery and procedures
Recent and relevant procedures
▶
Recent skin surgery
Orthopedic surgery and hardware
Vascular access procedures
Baseline function and supports
Baseline status
▶
Mobility level
Ability to perform wound care
Home support reliability
Physical Exam
General and vitals pattern
Overall severity impression
▶
Toxic appearance
Fever pattern
▶
Persistent
Afebrile on antipyretics
Hemodynamics
▶
Capillary refill
Peripheral perfusion
Skin and soft tissue exam
Local infection features
▶
Erythema extent measurement
Warmth and tenderness
Induration
Fluctuance
Purulence
Lymphangitis
Crepitus
Bullae
Skin anesthesia
Limb and neurovascular
Limb threat assessment
▶
Pulses and Doppler signals
Sensation
Motor function
Range of motion
▶
Pain with passive range
Pain with active range
Regional nodes and adjacent structures
Spread assessment
▶
Regional lymphadenopathy
Proximal joint involvement
Tendon sheath tenderness
Special anatomic sites
High risk locations
▶
Face and periorbital
▶
Pain with eye movement
Visual changes
Hand
▶
Kanavel signs for flexor tenosynovitis
Deep space infection concern
Perineum
▶
Fournier concern
Perineal crepitus
Lab Studies
Core labs for severity and complications
Initial laboratory evaluation
▶
CBC
▶
Leukocytosis
Neutropenia
Electrolytes and renal function
▶
Creatinine baseline comparison
Potassium abnormalities
Liver panel
▶
Hepatic dysfunction risk for severe infection
Medication dosing implications
Glucose
▶
Hyperglycemia and severity
Hypoglycemia in sepsis
Sepsis and tissue hypoperfusion
Perfusion and sepsis markers
▶
Lactate
▶
2 mmol/L or more concern
4 mmol/L or more high risk
Venous blood gas
▶
Acidosis presence
Rising lactate trend
Microbiology
Culture strategy
▶
Blood cultures
▶
Systemic signs present
Immunocompromised host
Wound culture
▶
Purulent drainage
Operative specimens preferred over swab
Necrotizing infection adjuncts and pitfalls
Adjunct laboratory patterns
▶
Hyponatremia
Elevated CRP
Elevated creatine kinase
Normal labs do not exclude necrotizing infection
Imaging
Scoring Systems
Risk and severity tools
▶
LRINEC score
▶
Use as adjunct only
Low score does not exclude necrotizing infection
Diabetic foot infection classification
▶
Mild moderate severe framework
Systemic signs define severe
MRI
MRI indications and limits
▶
Osteomyelitis evaluation
Deep space infection evaluation
Contraindications
▶
Non compatible implanted device
Severe claustrophobia without support
Interpretation pearls
▶
Marrow edema patterns
Abscess rim enhancement
CT
CT indications and limits
▶
Necrotizing infection concern with deep gas
Deep abscess mapping
Contrast cautions
▶
Kidney injury risk
Prior contrast reaction
Interpretation pearls
▶
Fascial thickening
Subcutaneous gas
Non specific edema
Ultrasound
Ultrasound use cases
▶
Abscess identification
▶
Hypoechoic collection
Posterior enhancement
Cellulitis pattern
▶
Cobblestoning
No discrete collection
DVT evaluation if mimic concern
▶
Compression ultrasound
Clinical correlation
Special Tests
Bedside maneuvers and procedures
Bedside diagnostics
▶
POCUS guided needle aspiration
▶
Diagnostic in uncertain fluctuance
Therapeutic bridge if delayed drainage
Probe to bone for diabetic foot
▶
Positive increases osteomyelitis likelihood
Negative does not exclude in high risk ulcer
Procedural diagnostics
Source control related tests
▶
Incision and drainage findings
▶
Purulence amount
Loculations
Surgical exploration for necrotizing concern
▶
Tissue planes
Dishwater fluid
Additional infectious testing when indicated
Targeted tests by exposure
▶
HIV testing in high risk presentations
Viral swabs for vesicular lesions
ECG
ECG when systemic illness or high risk
ECG indications in soft tissue infection
▶
Sepsis and tachycardia evaluation
Electrolyte abnormality concern
Chest pain or dyspnea present
High risk patterns impacting management
Actionable ECG findings
▶
Ischemia patterns
Atrial fibrillation with rapid rate
Hyperkalemia changes
QT prolongation before QT active antibiotics
Assessment
Working diagnosis and severity tier
Infection phenotype
▶
Non purulent cellulitis
▶
Likely streptococcal predominance
Portal of entry identified
Purulent infection
▶
Abscess present
MRSA risk factors present
Severe complicated infection
▶
Systemic toxicity
Deep structure involvement
Complications to rule out
High consequence complications
▶
Necrotizing soft tissue infection
Septic arthritis
Osteomyelitis
Bacteremia and endocarditis risk
Key supporting features
Data synthesis
▶
Rapid progression features
Objective fever or lactate elevation
Drainable collection on exam or ultrasound
Plan
First 5 minutes workflow
Critical patient pathway
▶
Monitoring
▶
Cardiac monitor
Pulse oximetry
Frequent blood pressure checks
IV access
▶
Two large bore IV for shock concern
Intraosseous access if unable
Oxygen strategy
▶
Supplemental oxygen if saturation less than 92 percent
Escalation for rising work of breathing
Early sepsis bundle triggers
▶
Lactate
Blood cultures before antibiotics when feasible
Broad spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour for shock concern
Antibiotics by syndrome and severity
Empiric antimicrobial strategy
▶
Mild non purulent cellulitis
▶
Cephalexin PO 500 mg every 6 hours
Duration 5 days with extension if slow response
Mild purulent infection after drainage
▶
TMP SMX DS 1 tablet PO every 12 hours
Doxycycline PO 100 mg every 12 hours
Moderate to severe cellulitis needing IV
▶
Cefazolin IV 2 g every 8 hours
Clindamycin IV 600 mg every 8 hours if severe beta lactam allergy
Severe infection with MRSA concern
▶
Vancomycin IV weight based local protocol dependent
Alternative linezolid IV 600 mg every 12 hours when appropriate
Necrotizing infection concern
▶
Piperacillin tazobactam IV 4.5 g every 6 hours
Vancomycin IV weight based local protocol dependent
Clindamycin IV 900 mg every 8 hours toxin suppression
Source control and procedures
Drainage and debridement strategy
▶
Abscess management
▶
Incision and drainage
Packing selective for large cavity
Necrotizing infection concern
▶
Immediate surgical consult
Do not delay for imaging if unstable
Foreign body consideration
▶
Removal if accessible
Imaging guided localization if needed
Supportive care and symptom control
Adjunctive management
▶
Fluids for hypoperfusion
▶
Crystalloid 30 mL per kg for shock physiology local protocol dependent
Reassess after each bolus
Analgesia
▶
Acetaminophen PO 1000 mg every 6 hours as needed
Ibuprofen PO 400 mg every 6 hours as needed if no contraindication
Limb care
▶
Elevation
Mark borders for progression tracking
Reassessment loop
Ongoing reassessment
▶
Repeat vitals within 30 to 60 minutes for systemic signs
Pain trajectory monitoring
Erythema spread reassessment after 2 to 4 hours in ED observation
Repeat lactate within 2 to 4 hours if initial elevated
Consultation plan
Specialist involvement
▶
Surgery
▶
Necrotizing concern
Large or complex abscess
Orthopedics
▶
Septic arthritis concern
Hardware infection
Infectious diseases
▶
Immunocompromised host
Recurrent infection and unusual exposures
Wound care
▶
Diabetic foot ulcers
Chronic wounds
Disposition
ICU criteria
Intensive care indications
▶
Vasopressor requirement
Persistent hypotension after fluids
Lactate 4 mmol/L or more
Rapidly progressive necrotizing concern
Inpatient admission criteria
Hospital admission indications
▶
Need for IV antibiotics with unreliable follow up
Immunocompromised host with systemic signs
Deep infection concern
▶
Osteomyelitis
Septic arthritis
Failure of outpatient antibiotics within 48 hours
Observation pathway criteria
ED observation appropriate
▶
Moderate cellulitis without shock
Initial IV dose then oral transition plan
Reassessment after 6 to 24 hours with reliable follow up
Discharge criteria
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Safe outpatient management
▶
No hypotension
No altered mental status
Pain controlled with oral meds
No necrotizing red flags
Wound care feasible at home
Follow up arranged within 24 to 72 hours
Discharge Instructions
Copy discharge instructions
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Diagnosis and expected course
▶
Skin infection treated with antibiotics
Some redness can persist for 24 to 48 hours before improving
Medications
▶
Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed until finished
Pain and fever control as directed
Wound and limb care
▶
Keep the area clean and dry
Elevate the limb when possible
If drainage was done keep dressing in place and change as instructed
Follow up
▶
Recheck with primary care or clinic within 24 to 72 hours
Earlier recheck if redness is spreading
Return to emergency care immediately for
▶
Trouble breathing
Fainting or severe weakness
Confusion
Fever persistent or new shaking chills
Rapidly worsening pain
Redness spreading quickly
Black or purple skin changes
Blisters
New numbness in the area
References
Guidelines and key references
Evidence based sources
▶
Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guideline for skin and soft tissue infections 2014
International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot guideline on infection 2023
Surviving Sepsis Campaign international guidelines for management of sepsis and septic shock 2021
CDC guidance on MRSA and community associated skin infections updated regularly local protocol dependent
American College of Radiology appropriateness criteria for suspected osteomyelitis and soft tissue infection updated regularly local protocol dependent
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.
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Soft Tissue Infection Concern