Question

Pt presents with uncomplicated cellulitis on his foot. He tells you that it came out of nowhere and you find him to be slightly feverish and tells you he is feeling awful. Would you cover for S. aureus in this case?

a) Yes
b) No
c) Maybe
d) Not sure

Answer 1

Yes, a healthcare provider should typically cover for S. aureus when treating a patient with uncomplicated cellulitis due to the bacterium's prevalence and potential for serious complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient presenting with uncomplicated cellulitis on his foot and demonstrating symptoms such as a slight fever and feeling awful could be indicative of a bacterial infection. While both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) are common causes of cellulitis, the latter is more commonly associated with this infection. However, considering the prevalence of S. aureus in the community and hospital settings, and the possibility of it causing skin infections, it would be prudent for a healthcare provider to cover for S. aureus when initiating treatment. This is especially relevant as co-infections can occur, and S. aureus can be a particularly aggressive pathogen with the potential to cause serious complications if not appropriately treated.