Question

A patient with cirrhosis and ascites presents with fever and abdominal tenderness. Diagnostic paracentesis reveals a neutrophil count of 300 cells/mm3 in the ascitic fluid. Which is the best initial management step?

Accepted Answer

Immediate broad-spectrum antibiotics

Answer

Begin high-dose diuretics

Answer

Intravenous albumin infusion only

Answer

Therapeutic paracentesis of >5 litres

Answer

Wait for culture results before starting treatment

Practice question

A patient with cirrhosis and ascites presents with fever and abdominal tenderness. Diagnostic paracentesis reveals a neutrophil count of 300 cells/mm3 in the ascitic fluid. Which is the best initial management step?