Prescribing for Uncomplicated Cellulitis of the Lower Leg
Write a prescription for uncomplicated cellulitis of the right lower leg and have every line marked: drug choice, dose, route, frequency and duration, checked against the patient's allergies, current medicines, renal function and the interaction database, with each error explained.
easy8 scoring rules
- Patient
- 50 years, male, 80 kg
- Diagnosis
- Uncomplicated cellulitis of the right lower leg
- Renal function
- eGFR 90 mL/min/1.73m²
- Allergies
- None known
The scenario
Patient B-217, a 50-year-old man, presents with a two-day history of pain, swelling and redness in the right lower leg. He reports no fever or systemic symptoms. He has no significant past medical history. He takes no regular medications and has no known drug allergies. On examination: temperature 37.1°C, pulse 76 bpm, blood pressure 128/78 mmHg. There is a localized area of erythema, warmth and tenderness on the right shin, approximately 10 cm in diameter, with no fluctuance, pus or induration beyond the erythematous margin. The leg is mildly oedematous but the foot is warm, with palpable dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses. Sensation and motor function are intact. He weighs 80 kg. Recent blood tests: serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL, eGFR 90 mL/min/1.73 m², liver function tests normal. This is uncomplicated cellulitis of the lower leg. Prescribe an appropriate antibiotic, an analgesic and self-care advice.
What gets marked
- Whether you chose an indicated drug, and whether you avoided the contraindicated ones.
- Dose, route, frequency and duration against the range for this patient.
- Renal and hepatic dose adjustment where this patient's numbers demand it.
- Allergy cross-reactivity and interactions with the medicines already on the chart.
- The instructions and monitoring you write, not only the drug you pick.
8 scoring rules apply to this scenario. A single critical error fails the attempt whatever the score.
Log in to prescribe for "Prescribing for Uncomplicated Cellulitis of the Lower Leg"
A free account opens the prescription pad: search the formulary, write the chart, and have it marked line by line by the safety engine.
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Educational content for students and clinicians in training. It does not replace professional judgement, local protocols or current prescribing information.