American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which is a sign that antibiotic treatment might be necessary for patients with furuncles?

1. Localized redness

2. Systemic signs of infection

3. Minor pain

4. Swelling

The correct answer is: Systemic signs of infection

The need for antibiotic treatment in patients with furuncles, also known as boils, is typically indicated by systemic signs of infection. Systemic signs often include fever, chills, malaise, or other indicators that the infection may have spread beyond the localized area, suggesting a more severe or progressing condition. When a patient presents with these systemic signs, it raises the concern for a possible more extensive infection that could warrant antibiotic therapy to prevent further complications. In contrast, localized redness, minor pain, and swelling are common findings in uncomplicated furuncles and do not necessarily indicate the need for antibiotics. Such localized signs might resolve with proper care, including warm compresses and possibly drainage if necessary. However, the presence of systemic manifestations explicitly suggests that the infection might involve deeper or more complex tissue layers, necessitating broader medical intervention such as antibiotics.