Return to course: NICE CKS Question Banks
Previous Lesson
Previous
Next
Next Lesson
Boils, Carbuncles, and Staphylococcal Carriage (P)
Return to
Course Curriculum
1. What is a boil (furuncle)?
*
An allergic rash
A pus-filled infection of a hair follicle
A viral skin lesion
An inflamed sebaceous cyst
2. What is a carbuncle?
*
A single large pimple
A viral wart
A cluster of interconnected boils
A type of fungal infection
3. Which organism is most commonly involved in boils and carbuncles?
*
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Escherichia coli
Staphylococcus aureus
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
4. Which of the following is a risk factor for recurrent staphylococcal infections?
*
Asthma
Diabetes mellitus
Hyperthyroidism
Crohn's disease
5. What is the recommended first-line management of a simple boil?
*
Incision and drainage
Oral antibiotics
Topical steroids
Cryotherapy
6. When are oral antibiotics indicated for boils?
*
For all cases
When there is surrounding cellulitis or systemic symptoms
When the boil is dry
Only for carbuncles
7. What advice should be given about hygiene during an active boil?
*
Share towels to spread resistance
Avoid handwashing
Avoid squeezing or scratching
Use antiseptic wipes internally
8. What is staphylococcal carriage?
*
Active skin infection
Latent viral infection
Presence of Staphylococcus aureus on skin or mucosa without symptoms
Bacterial pneumonia
9. Where is staphylococcal carriage most commonly found?
*
Ear canal
Scalp
Nasal vestibule
Sole of the foot
10. Which of the following is a method to eradicate staphylococcal carriage?
*
Topical mupirocin nasal ointment
Oral corticosteroids
Topical acyclovir
Salicylic acid cream
11. Which antiseptic wash is recommended alongside mupirocin for decolonisation?
*
Sodium chloride
Chlorhexidine
Hydrogen peroxide
Iodine
12. What is the typical duration for nasal mupirocin treatment for carriage eradication?
*
2 days
5 days
10 days
14 days
13. What is the significance of recurrent boils in a patient with family members affected
*
Likely autoimmune disease
Possible staphylococcal transmission within household
Genetic disorder
Vitamin deficiency
14. Which of the following is a complication of untreated carbuncles?
*
Basal cell carcinoma
Systemic infection or abscess formation
Keloid scarring
Squamous cell carcinoma
15. When should you refer a patient with recurrent boils?
*
After one episode
If no improvement after 72 hours
If recurrent, severe, or associated with immunosuppression
If the boil is on the back
16. What is an important consideration before starting decolonisation therapy?
*
Pregnancy status
Swabbing to confirm carriage
Allergy to penicillin
Use of sunscreen
17. What is the most effective method to reduce transmission in households?
*
Vaccination
Regular antimicrobial baths
Good personal hygiene and laundering clothes/towels
Use of gloves at home
18. Which of the following is NOT associated with increased risk of boils?
*
Poor hygiene
Obesity
Hyperglycaemia
Hypothyroidism
19. What does MRSA stand for?
*
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Multidrug-resistant Streptococcus aureus
Modified-resistant skin antigen
Mycoplasma-resistant Staphylococcus antigen
20. Which class of antibiotics is commonly used to treat MRSA skin infections?
*
Tetracyclines
Macrolides
Penicillins
Cephalosporins