Active infection is a contraindication for which procedure?

Active infection is a contraindication for which procedure?

• A. Elective surgery
• B. Emergency surgery
• C. Diagnostic imaging
• D. Physical therapy

Answer: (A)

Active infection increases perioperative risk, so elective surgery is postponed until the infection is controlled. When infection is present, there’s a higher chance of postoperative wound infection, dehiscence, sepsis, and delayed healing because the body is already fighting an invading organism. Elective procedures should be put off to optimize the patient’s condition—treat the infection with antibiotics, control the source, and confirm the patient is afebrile and stable before operating. In emergencies, surgery may still be necessary despite an active infection, with careful infection control and antibiotic treatment to mitigate risks. Diagnostic imaging is typically allowed during infection, as it’s often needed to guide care, and physical therapy can proceed with appropriate precautions or modifications to accommodate the infection rather than being inherently contraindicated.

Active infection increases perioperative risk, so elective surgery is postponed until the infection is controlled. When infection is present, there’s a higher chance of postoperative wound infection, dehiscence, sepsis, and delayed healing because the body is already fighting an invading organism. Elective procedures should be put off to optimize the patient’s condition—treat the infection with antibiotics, control the source, and confirm the patient is afebrile and stable before operating. In emergencies, surgery may still be necessary despite an active infection, with careful infection control and antibiotic treatment to mitigate risks. Diagnostic imaging is typically allowed during infection, as it’s often needed to guide care, and physical therapy can proceed with appropriate precautions or modifications to accommodate the infection rather than being inherently contraindicated.