8th September 2020

A 26-year-old male presents to Accident and Emergency unable to walk

A 26-year-old male presents to Accident and Emergency unable to walk since waking up in the morning due to pain in his left knee. He is a known intravenous drug user. Examination reveals a hot, red, swollen knee joint that has limited range of motion, however flexion and extension at the hip is normal. His observations are as follows: 

Respiratory rate 18/min, heart rate 105 beats/min, 02 saturations 97%, blood pressure 100/65mmHg, temperature 38.6ºC.

Given the most likely diagnosis, what is the most important option in management of this patient?

For the patient above, please select the SINGLE most appropriate management option. Select ONE option from the list above.