Skin infections: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Skin infections

Sample item

Which feature suggests that a skin abscess may require incision and drainage?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. A fluctuant collection of pus

A fluctuant abscess represents a localized pus collection, for which drainage is often necessary in addition to appropriate clinical management.

Option by option

  • A. A fluctuant collection of pus (correct)

    Correct: fluctuation suggests a drainable fluid collection.

  • B. Fine white scale between toes

    Interdigital scale suggests possible fungal infection.

  • C. A flat non-tender pigment patch

    A pigment patch is not an abscess.

  • D. A symmetric dry rash

    Dry symmetric rash is not a localized pus collection.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is A, A fluctuant collection of pus. A fluctuant abscess represents a localized pus collection, for which drainage is often necessary in addition to appropriate clinical management.

Why is "Fine white scale between toes" not the answer?

Interdigital scale suggests possible fungal infection.

Why is "A flat non-tender pigment patch" not the answer?

A pigment patch is not an abscess.

Why is "A symmetric dry rash" not the answer?

Dry symmetric rash is not a localized pus collection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Skin infections in Dermatology. The correct option holds because: Correct: fluctuation suggests a drainable fluid collection.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Skin infections?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.