Overview

4.7 out of 5 (7 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Pharmacology Credits

0.0

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

30 Apr 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

A felon is an infection that occurs within the closed-space compartments of the fingertip pulp. Any injury to the fingertip may predispose to a felon, including minor cuts, foreign body penetrations, splinters, and paronychias. The most common bacteria associated with infection in a felon is Staphylococcus aureus. Felons are reasonably easy to identify and diagnose. Typically, the fingertip becomes swollen and erythematous, causing the patient to complain of intense throbbing pain. If the blood flow is compromised by compression from edema and pus formation, the surrounding tissues are at risk for ischemia. Treatment involves incision and drainage of the infected pulp space and oral antibiotics. If left undiagnosed or untreated, the underlying bone, joint, or tendons may become infected, leading to tissue destruction, spread of infection to adjacent structures, and systemic illness. Early intervention is crucial to prevent further complications and promote healing.

This activity describes the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management of felons, providing healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to provide effective treatment and improve patient care for this clinical condition. Further, interdisciplinary team communication and collaboration are emphasized. By collaborating with an interprofessional team consisting of hand surgeons, infectious disease specialists, wound care nurses, and pharmacists, clinicians can enhance patient outcomes through comprehensive and coordinated care. 


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify characteristic symptoms and signs of felon, including fingertip swelling, erythema, and throbbing pain, to facilitate prompt diagnosis and intervention in affected individuals.

  • Differentiate between early cellulitis and abscess formation in felons, utilizing clinical assessment and diagnostic imaging as needed to guide appropriate treatment approaches.

  • Screen patients presenting with fingertip injuries for potential development of a felon, incorporating thorough history-taking and physical examination techniques to identify predisposing factors and early signs of infection.

  • Recognize the stage of the felon and strategize the best intervention for that stage, utilizing the appropriate members of the healthcare team to improve care coordination among interprofessional team members and facilitate positive outcomes for patients afflicted with felons.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurse Practitioners: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.00 ANCC contact hour(s), which includes 0 hour(s) of pharmacology. NPs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Dr.Mallikarjun K. on 4/19/2022

Carlos A. on 6/3/2022

Christine G. on 11/1/2023

Aneesh M. on 12/1/2023

Susan S. on 1/1/2024

Phil E. on 1/21/2024

Bozena B. on 3/13/2024

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