Ill-defined Margins in Pediatrics — 10yo Child | Pediatric Infectious | SMLE Q#12275

SMLE Question #12275

Pediatrics Pediatric Infectious

Objective: OBJ-113

Last updated: February 2026
A 10-year-old boy has 2 days of painful swelling of the left lower leg that started as a small red patch and progressively enlarged. He reports low-grade fever and malaise. Examination shows a warm, erythematous, tender area with ill-defined margins and no fluctuance, drainage, necrosis, crepitus, or limitation of nearby joint movement. What is the most appropriate initial step in management?

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