SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

Last Reviewed: January 15, 2026 by SymptomDX Medical Team

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

← Management Protocols

Home Management ProtocolsInfected diabetic foot ulcer

Infected diabetic foot ulcer

Clinical Assessment Checklist

Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.

Immediate priorities

High-risk infected diabetic foot ulcer overview

Sepsis physiology or shock triggers immediate resuscitation pathway

Airway compromise

Respiratory distress

Hypotension or MAP < 65 mmHg

Lactate >= 2 mmol/L

Altered mental status

Limb threat triggers emergent limb-salvage pathway

Rapidly progressive erythema or edema

Crepitus

Skin necrosis

Pain out of proportion

Bullae

Compartment firmness

Immediate team activation triggers

If septic shock, critical care and infectious diseases

If suspected necrotizing infection, surgery and broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour

If critical limb ischemia, vascular surgery within hours

Initial monitoring and targets

Physiologic targets and monitoring

Vital signs trending every 15 to 60 minutes based on acuity

Persistent fever or hypothermia

Persistent tachycardia

New hypotension

Oxygen saturation target >= 94% (or patient-specific COPD target)

Supplemental oxygen as needed

IV access

Two large-bore peripheral IVs for severe infection

Arterial line if vasoactive infusions or labile BP

Glycemic targets in acute infection

Capillary glucose monitoring

Inpatient typical target 7.8 to 10 mmol/L (institutional protocol)

Early source control and escalation

Source control decision points

Drainable abscess or purulence

Incision and drainage or operative drainage

Necrosis or gangrene

Urgent surgical debridement

Suspected osteomyelitis

Bone sampling strategy planning with surgery or podiatry

Offloading and immobilization

Total contact cast or removable boot when feasible

Non-weight-bearing instructions for plantar ulcers

Medical Disclaimer

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

Last Reviewed: January 15, 2026 by SymptomDX Medical Team

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

← Management Protocols

Home Management ProtocolsInfected diabetic foot ulcer