system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 55-year-old man presents to the emergency department for severe pain in his knee. The patient states that the pain began yesterday and has steadily worsened. The patient has a history of osteoarthritis of the knee, which was previously responsive to ibuprofen. He reports taking 3 doses of hydrochlorothiazide today after not taking his medication for 3 days. He recently attended a barbecue, which entailed eating beef and drinking alcohol. The patient was also recently treated for cellulitis. The patient has a past medical history of obesity, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. His temperature is 101°F (38.3°C), blood pressure is 157/98 mmHg, pulse is 95/min, respirations are 17/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Physical exam is notable for a warm and erythematous left knee. There is tenderness to palpation of the left knee with limited range of motion due to pain. Which of the following is the best next step in management?
assistant
Arthrocentesis