<prompt> Please answer with one of the option in the bracket. Write reasoning in between . Write answer in between .Q:A 57-year-old man presents to his primary care provider with progressive right foot swelling, redness, and malaise. He reports seeing a blister on his forefoot several months ago after he started using new work boots. He has dressed the affected area daily with bandages; however, healing has not occurred. He has a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and stage 2 chronic kidney disease. He has smoked 20 to 30 cigarettes daily for the past 25 years. Vital signs are a temperature of 38.1C 100.58F, blood pressure of 11070 mm Hg, and pulse of 102minute. On physical examination, there is a malodorous right foot ulcer overlying the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Fluctuance and erythema extend 3 cm beyond the ulcer border. Moderate pitting edema is notable over the remaining areas of the foot and ankle. Which of the following is the best initial step for this patient?? A: Graded compression stockings, B: Superficial swabs, C: Antibiotics and supportive care, D: Endovascular intervention, E: Minor amputation,  <response>: This is a patient with diabetes presenting with a foot ulcer that is infected. The description of the ulcer suggests it is quite severe with spreading erythema, malodor, and systemic symptoms such as fever. The best initial step is to obtain a sample of the infected ulcer for culture and start empiric antibiotics. Compression stockings and endovascular procedures may be indicated later for the edema but do not address the infection. Minor amputation may be eventually needed if the infection does not respond but is premature as initial therapy.C: Antibiotics and supportive care 