Patient case: Hand Infection
A 32-year-old man presents with a 5-day history of worsening pain, swelling, and redness in his right hand. The symptoms began after he accidentally cut his hand with a kitchen knife while cooking. He initially cleaned the wound himself, but over the past few days, the pain has intensified, and he is now unable to fully move his fingers due to swelling. He also reports a low-grade fever.
On physical examination, the hand is visibly swollen, with redness and warmth extending from the base of the fingers to the wrist. The cut appears inflamed, and there is tenderness along the flexor tendons. A small amount of purulent discharge is noted at the wound site, and lymph nodes in the axilla are mildly enlarged.
He is diagnosed with a hand infection, likely a bacterial infection spreading from the wound, and possibly a flexor tenosynovitis. The treatment plan includes immediate intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage of the abscess. The patient is advised that without prompt treatment, there is a risk of permanent damage to hand function.
a). An insect bite
b). A kitchen knife cut
c). A burn from hot water
d). A sports injury
a). Itching around the wound
b). Redness and swelling extending from the fingers to the wrist
c). Minor scarring around the cut
d). Coldness in the fingers
a). Stiffness in the wrist
b). Tenderness along the flexor tendons
c). Swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin
d). Decreased sensation in the hand
a). Rest and over-the-counter painkillers
b). Oral antibiotics and a bandage
c). Intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage
d). Applying ice and physical therapy
