If a patient on penicillin for two weeks develops a sore tongue, which test is appropriate?

If a patient on penicillin for two weeks develops a sore tongue, which test is appropriate?

• A. Blood test
• B. Fungal test
• C. Allergy test
• D. Culture test

Answer: (B)

The development of a sore tongue in a patient who has been on penicillin for two weeks raises the suspicion of a possible fungal infection, particularly oral thrush, which is caused by an overgrowth of Candida species. This is a common side effect associated with antibiotic use, as antibiotics can disrupt the normal flora of the mouth, suppressing bacteria that ordinarily keep fungal populations in check. In this context, conducting a fungal test is the most appropriate choice, as it helps confirm the presence of Candida or other fungal organisms responsible for the sore tongue. Identification is crucial for appropriate treatment, which typically involves antifungal medication if a fungal infection is confirmed. Blood tests, allergy tests, and culture tests for bacteria may not directly address the symptoms presented and may not necessarily yield the information needed to evaluate the sore tongue in this specific context. Therefore, the focus on a fungal test aligns well with the clinical scenario and suspicion of candidiasis as a plausible cause of the symptoms.

The development of a sore tongue in a patient who has been on penicillin for two weeks raises the suspicion of a possible fungal infection, particularly oral thrush, which is caused by an overgrowth of Candida species. This is a common side effect associated with antibiotic use, as antibiotics can disrupt the normal flora of the mouth, suppressing bacteria that ordinarily keep fungal populations in check.

In this context, conducting a fungal test is the most appropriate choice, as it helps confirm the presence of Candida or other fungal organisms responsible for the sore tongue. Identification is crucial for appropriate treatment, which typically involves antifungal medication if a fungal infection is confirmed.

Blood tests, allergy tests, and culture tests for bacteria may not directly address the symptoms presented and may not necessarily yield the information needed to evaluate the sore tongue in this specific context. Therefore, the focus on a fungal test aligns well with the clinical scenario and suspicion of candidiasis as a plausible cause of the symptoms.