A 40-year-old pregnant woman presents to the clinic at her 12th week of gestation. She does not have any complaints during this visit but comes to discuss her lab reports from her last visit. Her blood test results are within normal limits, but the abdominal ultrasound reports nuchal thickening with a septated cystic hygroma. Chorionic villus sampling is performed for a suspected chromosomal anomaly. Which of the following features can be expected to be present at the time of birth of this fetus?
Q112
A 25-year-old woman comes to the physician because of irregular menstrual bleeding. Menarche occurred at the age of 12 years and menses have occurred at 45 to 90-day intervals. Her last menstrual period was 8 weeks ago. She is not sexually active. Serum studies show:
Fasting glucose 178 mg/dL
Fasting insulin 29 mcIU/mL (N = 2.6–24.9 mcIU/mL)
Luteinizing hormone 160 mIU/mL
Total testosterone 3.2 ng/dL (N = 0.06–1.06 ng/dL)
Serum electrolytes are within the reference range. Further evaluation of this patient is most likely to show which of the following findings?
Q113
A 63-year-old woman presents to the outpatient clinic complaining of severe vulvar itching. The pruritus started 1 year ago and became worse over the last several months. She has tried over-the-counter topical steroids without relief. She is not currently sexually active. Her medical history is notable for long-standing lichen sclerosus. The physical examination reveals an ulcerated small nodule on the right labium majus, as well as dry, thin, white lesions encircling the genital and perianal areas. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Q114
A 27-year-old G2P1 woman is diagnosed with an HIV infection after undergoing routine prenatal blood work testing. Her estimated gestational age by first-trimester ultrasound is 12 weeks. Her CD4 count is 150 cells/mm^3 and her viral load is 126,000 copies/mL. She denies experiencing any symptoms of HIV infection. Which of the following is appropriate management of this patient's pregnancy?
Q115
A 36-year-old nulligravid woman comes to the physician because of a 1-year history of pelvic discomfort and heavy menstrual bleeding. The pain is dull and pressure-like and occurs intermittently; the patient is asymptomatic between episodes. Menses occur at regular 30-day intervals and last 8 days with heavy flow. Her last menstrual period ended 5 days ago. She is sexually active and does not use contraception. Her temperature is 36.8°C (98.8°F), pulse is 76/min, and blood pressure is 106/68 mm Hg. Pelvic examination shows white cervical mucus and a firm, irregularly-shaped uterus consistent in size with a 5-week gestation. A spot urine pregnancy test is negative. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in diagnosis?
Q116
A 16-year-old girl is brought to the clinic by her mother for amenorrhea. The patient has never had a menstrual cycle and is worried as all her friends “have started to go through puberty.” She has been otherwise healthy with an uncomplicated birth history. “I told her not to worry since I also got my period late,” her mother reported during the encounter. Physical examination demonstrates Tanner stage 2 breasts, genital, and pubic hair. Temperature is 98.7 °F (37.1°C), blood pressure is 156/100mmHg, pulse is 92/min, and respirations are 12/min. What laboratory abnormalities would you expect to find in this patient?
Q117
A 24-year-old gravida 1 is admitted to the hospital after a tonic-clonic seizure at 37 weeks gestation. At the time of presentation, she complains of a severe headache, double vision, and nausea. Her vital signs are as follows: blood pressure, 165/90 mm Hg; heart rate, 91/min; respiratory rate, 9/min; and temperature, 37.0℃ (98.6℉). The rapid dipstick test performed on admission unit shows 3+ proteinuria. The fetal heart rate is 118/min. On examination, the patient is lethargic (GCS 12/15). There is 2+ pitting leg edema. The neurologic examination is significant for left eye deviation towards the nose, paralysis of the left conjugate gaze with a paralytic left eye, and right hemiplegia. Meningeal signs are negative. Which of the following findings would be expected if a head CT scan is performed?
Q118
A 14-year-old girl is brought to the physician because of a 10-day history of vaginal bleeding. The flow is heavy with the passage of clots. Since menarche 1 year ago, menses have occurred at irregular 26- to 32-day intervals and last 3 to 6 days. Her last menstrual period was 4 weeks ago. She has no history of serious illness and takes no medications. Her temperature is 37.1°C (98.8°F), pulse is 98/min, and blood pressure is 106/70 mm Hg. Pelvic examination shows vaginal bleeding. The remainder of the examination shows no abnormalities. Her hemoglobin is 13.1 g/dL. A urine pregnancy test is negative. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
Q119
A 36-year-old primigravid woman at 34 weeks' gestation comes to the physician because of a 1-week history of upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, and malaise. She had a mild upper respiratory tract infection a week ago. She has a 10-year history of polycystic ovarian syndrome and a 3-year history of hypertension. Her medications include metformin, labetalol, folic acid, and a multivitamin. Her pulse is 92/min, respirations are 18/min, and blood pressure is 147/84 mm Hg. Examination shows a nontender uterus consistent in size with a 34-week gestation. There is mild tenderness of the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. The fetal heart rate is reactive with no decelerations. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
Q120
A 64-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 4-month history of vulvar itching and dryness. During this period, she has also had pain during sexual intercourse but no postcoital bleeding. Her last menstrual period was at the age of 51 years. She has type 2 diabetes mellitus and her only medication is metformin. Pelvic examination shows atrophic labial folds. There are excoriation marks and a well-demarcated, white plaque on the vulva. The remainder of the examination shows no abnormalities. The results of biopsy rule out cancer. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in treatment for this patient's lesions?
High-risk pregnancies US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 111: A 40-year-old pregnant woman presents to the clinic at her 12th week of gestation. She does not have any complaints during this visit but comes to discuss her lab reports from her last visit. Her blood test results are within normal limits, but the abdominal ultrasound reports nuchal thickening with a septated cystic hygroma. Chorionic villus sampling is performed for a suspected chromosomal anomaly. Which of the following features can be expected to be present at the time of birth of this fetus?
A. Congenital lymphedema of the hands and feet (Correct Answer)
B. Pectus carinatum
C. Anal atresia
D. Microphthalmia
E. Port-wine stain on the forehead
Explanation: ***Congenital lymphedema of the hands and feet***
- The combination of **nuchal thickening** and **septated cystic hygroma** on ultrasound is highly suggestive of **Turner syndrome (45,X)**, a common chromosomal anomaly.
- **Congenital lymphedema** of the hands and feet is a characteristic feature of Turner syndrome due to abnormal lymphatic development, often observed at birth.
*Pectus carinatum*
- **Pectus carinatum** (pigeon chest) is a chest wall deformity more commonly associated with conditions like **Marfan syndrome** or **Noonan syndrome**, not typically Turner syndrome.
- This condition involves an outward protrusion of the sternum and ribs, which is not a primary manifestation of the lymphatic anomalies seen in Turner syndrome.
*Anal atresia*
- **Anal atresia** is a congenital malformation where the anus is not properly formed, usually occurring as an isolated defect or in association with conditions like **VACTERL association**.
- It is not a characteristic feature of Turner syndrome, which primarily affects sex chromosomes and leads to different sets of developmental issues.
*Microphthalmia*
- **Microphthalmia** (abnormally small eyes) is a severe developmental anomaly usually associated with genetic syndromes like **trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)** or specific ocular developmental genes.
- It is not a typical finding in Turner syndrome, which does not primarily involve eye development to this extent.
*Port-wine stain on the forehead*
- A **port-wine stain** is a type of capillary malformation often associated with conditions like **Sturge-Weber syndrome**, which involves vascular anomalies affecting the brain and eyes.
- This vascular birthmark is not a common or characteristic feature of Turner syndrome.
Question 112: A 25-year-old woman comes to the physician because of irregular menstrual bleeding. Menarche occurred at the age of 12 years and menses have occurred at 45 to 90-day intervals. Her last menstrual period was 8 weeks ago. She is not sexually active. Serum studies show:
Fasting glucose 178 mg/dL
Fasting insulin 29 mcIU/mL (N = 2.6–24.9 mcIU/mL)
Luteinizing hormone 160 mIU/mL
Total testosterone 3.2 ng/dL (N = 0.06–1.06 ng/dL)
Serum electrolytes are within the reference range. Further evaluation of this patient is most likely to show which of the following findings?
A. Elevated serum beta-HCG level
B. Intrasellar mass on cranial contrast MRI
C. Adrenal tumor on abdominal MRI
D. Elevated serum TSH level
E. Enlarged ovaries on transvaginal ultrasound (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Enlarged ovaries on transvaginal ultrasound***
- The constellation of **irregular menstrual bleeding**, **hyperandrogenism** (elevated total testosterone), and **insulin resistance** (elevated fasting glucose and insulin) is highly suggestive of **polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)**.
- **PCOS** is characterized by ovarian dysfunction and often presents with **enlarged ovaries containing multiple small follicles** (cysts) on ultrasound.
*Elevated serum beta-HCG level*
- An **elevated beta-HCG level** indicates **pregnancy**, but the patient is not sexually active, and her symptoms align with a chronic endocrine disorder rather than pregnancy.
- While irregular menses can occur in early pregnancy, the hormonal profile (high LH, high testosterone) is inconsistent with a typical pregnancy.
*Intrasellar mass on cranial contrast MRI*
- An **intrasellar mass** (e.g., prolactinoma) would typically cause **hyperprolactinemia** and lead to **amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea** and potentially **galactorrhea**, symptoms not highlighted here.
- While **LH** is elevated, it's not suggestive of a pituitary tumor directly causing the specific hormonal imbalances noted (elevated testosterone, insulin resistance).
*Adrenal tumor on abdominal MRI*
- An **adrenal tumor** could cause **hyperandrogenism** (e.g., androgen-secreting adrenal adenoma), but it would not typically explain the prominent **Luteinizing hormone elevation**, **insulin resistance**, or the specific pattern of menstrual irregularities seen in PCOS.
- Adrenal androgen excess is usually associated with more significant virilization or Cushing-like features.
*Elevated serum TSH level*
- An **elevated TSH level** indicates **hypothyroidism**, which can cause menstrual irregularities but would not explain the **elevated testosterone**, **insulin resistance**, or the very high **LH level**.
- Hypothyroidism is associated with weight gain, fatigue, and bradycardia, symptoms not mentioned in the patient's presentation.
Question 113: A 63-year-old woman presents to the outpatient clinic complaining of severe vulvar itching. The pruritus started 1 year ago and became worse over the last several months. She has tried over-the-counter topical steroids without relief. She is not currently sexually active. Her medical history is notable for long-standing lichen sclerosus. The physical examination reveals an ulcerated small nodule on the right labium majus, as well as dry, thin, white lesions encircling the genital and perianal areas. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Squamous cell carcinoma (Correct Answer)
B. Bartholin gland carcinoma
C. Melanoma
D. Bartholin gland cyst
E. Vulvar Paget's disease
Explanation: ***Squamous cell carcinoma***
- An **ulcerated nodule** on the labium majus, coupled with a history of **long-standing lichen sclerosus** and unremitting pruritus in an elderly woman, is highly suspicious for vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.
- Lichen sclerosus is a **precancerous condition** that increases the risk of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.
*Bartholin gland carcinoma*
- This is a rare malignancy that typically presents as a **mass deep within the labium majus**, often causing pain or pressure rather than an ulcerated nodule on the surface.
- While it can occur in older women, the ulcerated nodule and history of lichen sclerosus are more indicative of squamous cell carcinoma arising from the vulvar skin.
*Melanoma*
- Vulvar melanoma usually presents as a **pigmented lesion**, which may be raised or ulcerated, but the description of a small, ulcerated nodule in the context of lichen sclerosus points more strongly to squamous cell carcinoma.
- Although possible, the absence of pigmentation makes it less likely than squamous cell carcinoma, especially given the significant risk factor of lichen sclerosus.
*Bartholin gland cyst*
- A Bartholin gland cyst presents as a **smooth, soft, non-tender, fluid-filled mass** usually located at the posterior aspect of the labium majus.
- It would not typically present as an ulcerated nodule or explain the persistent pruritus in the context of lichen sclerosus.
*Vulvar Paget's disease*
- Vulvar Paget's disease typically presents as an **eczematous, erythematous, well-demarcated lesion** with a "crusted" or "velvety" appearance, often with satellite lesions.
- While it can cause pruritus, the description of an **ulcerated small nodule** is less characteristic of Paget's disease and more typical of an invasive squamous cell carcinoma.
Question 114: A 27-year-old G2P1 woman is diagnosed with an HIV infection after undergoing routine prenatal blood work testing. Her estimated gestational age by first-trimester ultrasound is 12 weeks. Her CD4 count is 150 cells/mm^3 and her viral load is 126,000 copies/mL. She denies experiencing any symptoms of HIV infection. Which of the following is appropriate management of this patient's pregnancy?
A. HAART (Correct Answer)
B. Breastfeeding
C. Vaginal delivery
D. HAART after delivery
E. Avoidance of antibiotic prophylaxis
Explanation: ***HAART***
- **Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)** is recommended immediately for pregnant women with HIV, regardless of CD4 count or viral load, to reduce maternofetal transmission.
- Starting HAART early in pregnancy significantly lowers the **viral load**, protecting the fetus from HIV infection.
*Breastfeeding*
- **Breastfeeding** is contraindicated in HIV-positive mothers in developed countries because it carries a risk of HIV transmission to the infant.
- Formula feeding is recommended to prevent **postnatal HIV transmission**.
*Vaginal delivery*
- A **vaginal delivery** may be considered if the viral load is undetectable or very low (<1,000 copies/mL) at the time of delivery.
- Given this patient's **high viral load** (126,000 copies/mL), a scheduled cesarean section would be indicated to minimize the risk of perinatal transmission.
*HAART after delivery*
- Delaying **HAART until after delivery** would increase the risk of maternofetal HIV transmission during pregnancy and delivery.
- Prompt initiation of HAART is crucial for both maternal health and **fetal protection**.
*Avoidance of antibiotic prophylaxis*
- **Antibiotic prophylaxis** is commonly used in combination with antiretroviral agents to prevent opportunistic infections, especially when the **CD4 count is low** (<200 cells/mm³).
- Given a CD4 count of 150 cells/mm³, prophylaxis against opportunistic infections like **Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia** might be indicated, making avoidance inappropriate.
Question 115: A 36-year-old nulligravid woman comes to the physician because of a 1-year history of pelvic discomfort and heavy menstrual bleeding. The pain is dull and pressure-like and occurs intermittently; the patient is asymptomatic between episodes. Menses occur at regular 30-day intervals and last 8 days with heavy flow. Her last menstrual period ended 5 days ago. She is sexually active and does not use contraception. Her temperature is 36.8°C (98.8°F), pulse is 76/min, and blood pressure is 106/68 mm Hg. Pelvic examination shows white cervical mucus and a firm, irregularly-shaped uterus consistent in size with a 5-week gestation. A spot urine pregnancy test is negative. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in diagnosis?
A. Repeat β-HCG test
B. Pelvic ultrasound (Correct Answer)
C. Pelvic MRI
D. Pelvic radiograph
E. Laparoscopy
Explanation: ***Pelvic ultrasound***
- A pelvic ultrasound is the most appropriate next step given the patient's symptoms of **heavy menstrual bleeding**, **pelvic discomfort**, and an **enlarged, irregularly-shaped uterus** on examination. This imaging modality can readily identify uterine pathologies like **fibroids** or **adenomyosis**, which are consistent with the physical findings.
- It is a **non-invasive**, readily available, and cost-effective first-line imaging test for evaluating uterine and ovarian pathology.
*Repeat β-HCG test*
- The patient's last menstrual period ended 5 days ago, and a **spot urine pregnancy test is negative**, making pregnancy highly unlikely as the cause of her current symptoms.
- Repeating the test would not provide additional useful information for the described gynecological symptoms.
*Pelvic MRI*
- While a pelvic MRI can provide detailed images of the uterus, it is typically reserved for cases where **ultrasound findings are inconclusive** or more detailed anatomical information is required (e.g., surgical planning).
- It is **more expensive** and less accessible than ultrasound, making it not the initial diagnostic step.
*Pelvic radiograph*
- Pelvic radiographs are primarily used to visualize **bony structures** and are not effective for evaluating soft tissue abnormalities of the uterus or ovaries.
- This imaging modality would not provide useful information for diagnosing the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding or an enlarged, irregularly shaped uterus.
*Laparoscopy*
- Laparoscopy is an **invasive surgical procedure** used for both diagnosis and treatment of various pelvic conditions.
- It is not a first-line diagnostic step for symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding and an enlarged uterus, especially when less invasive imaging options are available and indicated.
Question 116: A 16-year-old girl is brought to the clinic by her mother for amenorrhea. The patient has never had a menstrual cycle and is worried as all her friends “have started to go through puberty.” She has been otherwise healthy with an uncomplicated birth history. “I told her not to worry since I also got my period late,” her mother reported during the encounter. Physical examination demonstrates Tanner stage 2 breasts, genital, and pubic hair. Temperature is 98.7 °F (37.1°C), blood pressure is 156/100mmHg, pulse is 92/min, and respirations are 12/min. What laboratory abnormalities would you expect to find in this patient?
A. Elevated levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone
B. Elevated levels of androstenedione
C. Elevated levels of 17-hydroxypregnenolone
D. Low levels of androstenedione (Correct Answer)
E. Low levels of adrenocorticotrophic hormone
Explanation: ***Low levels of androstenedione***
- This patient presents with **primary amenorrhea**, **delayed puberty** (Tanner stage 2 at 16 years), and **hypertension**. These findings, combined with a maternal history of late menarche, are highly suggestive of **17α-hydroxylase deficiency**.
- In 17α-hydroxylase deficiency, the enzyme responsible for converting pregnenolone and progesterone into their 17-hydroxy derivatives (which are precursors to androgens and estrogens) is deficient. This leads to a shunt towards the **mineralocorticoid pathway**, resulting in increased levels of **deoxycorticosterone (DOC)** and **corticosterone**, causing **hypertension** and **hypokalemia** (though not mentioned here). Decreased production of androgens like **androstenedione** and estrogens leads to primary amenorrhea and delayed puberty.
*Elevated levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone*
- **Elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone** is characteristic of **21-hydroxylase deficiency**, the most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. This condition typically presents with **virilization** in females (due to increased androgen synthesis) and often **salt-wasting crises**, which are not seen in this patient.
- The enzyme 17α-hydroxylase normally converts progesterone to 17-hydroxyprogesterone, so a deficiency in 17α-hydroxylase would actually lead to *decreased* 17-hydroxyprogesterone.
*Elevated levels of androstenedione*
- **Elevated androstenedione** levels would suggest increased androgen production, often seen in conditions like **21-hydroxylase deficiency** or **polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)**. These conditions typically lead to **virilization** and **hirsutism** in females, not delayed puberty and feminization failure.
- Given the suspected diagnosis of 17α-hydroxylase deficiency, the pathway to androstenedione is blocked, resulting in *low* levels.
*Elevated levels of 17-hydroxypregnenolone*
- **Elevated 17-hydroxypregnenolone** would be a feature of **3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency**, which affects both the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid pathways, and also the sex steroid pathway, leading to a build-up of upstream precursors like 17-hydroxypregnenolone.
- This condition involves impaired synthesis of all three major classes of adrenal steroids, leading to **salt wasting**, ambiguous genitalia in males, and varying degrees of adrenal insufficiency. This does not fit the presented clinical picture as well as 17α-hydroxylase deficiency.
*Low levels of adrenocorticotrophic hormone*
- **Low ACTH** would indicate a problem with the **pituitary gland** (secondary adrenal insufficiency) or **tertiary adrenal insufficiency** (hypothalamic).
- In 17α-hydroxylase deficiency, the deficient cortisol production would lead to a *lack of negative feedback* on the pituitary, resulting in *elevated* ACTH levels, not low.
Question 117: A 24-year-old gravida 1 is admitted to the hospital after a tonic-clonic seizure at 37 weeks gestation. At the time of presentation, she complains of a severe headache, double vision, and nausea. Her vital signs are as follows: blood pressure, 165/90 mm Hg; heart rate, 91/min; respiratory rate, 9/min; and temperature, 37.0℃ (98.6℉). The rapid dipstick test performed on admission unit shows 3+ proteinuria. The fetal heart rate is 118/min. On examination, the patient is lethargic (GCS 12/15). There is 2+ pitting leg edema. The neurologic examination is significant for left eye deviation towards the nose, paralysis of the left conjugate gaze with a paralytic left eye, and right hemiplegia. Meningeal signs are negative. Which of the following findings would be expected if a head CT scan is performed?
A. Regions of hyperdensity in the left pons (Correct Answer)
B. Cord-like hyperattenuation in the superior sagittal sinus
C. Regions of hyperdensity within the cerebellar hemispheres
D. Hyperattenuating material in the subarachnoid space
E. Subcortical hypodense region with surrounding irregular hyperdense margins
Explanation: ***Regions of hyperdensity in the left pons***
- The patient's symptoms, including **preeclampsia** (hypertension, proteinuria, edema), **eclampsia** (seizure), severe headache, double vision, and specific neurological deficits (left conjugate gaze palsy, left eye deviation, right hemiplegia, lethargy), point to a stroke in the **left pons**.
- **Hyperdensity** on a head CT scan is characteristic of an **acute hemorrhage**, which would explain the sudden onset of severe neurological symptoms in this context.
*Cord-like hyperattenuation in the superior sagittal sinus*
- This finding suggests **cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST)**, which can present with stroke-like symptoms and seizures.
- However, the specific neurological deficits described (left conjugate gaze palsy, right hemiplegia) are more indicative of a focal brainstem lesion rather than the diffuse or multifocal nature often seen in CVST.
*Regions of hyperdensity within the cerebellar hemispheres*
- **Cerebellar hemorrhage** could cause headache, nausea, and changes in consciousness.
- However, the specific cranial nerve palsies (left conjugate gaze palsy, left eye deviation) and contralateral hemiplegia are less typical for a cerebellar lesion and point more directly to a brainstem (pontine) pathology.
*Hyperattenuating material in the subarachnoid space*
- This indicates **subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)**, which commonly presents with a sudden, severe headache ("thunderclap headache") and can lead to seizures and altered mental status.
- While SAH is a possibility, the patient's presentation with specific brainstem signs like conjugate gaze palsy and hemiplegia is more suggestive of an intraparenchymal bleed.
*Subcortical hypodense region with surrounding irregular hyperdense margins*
- A **hypodense region** typically indicates **infarction (ischemic stroke)**, and surrounding hyperdense margins could represent hemorrhagic transformation or edema, but not primary hemorrhage.
- The acute, severe neurological symptoms are more consistent with an acute hemorrhagic event rather than an ischemic stroke with secondary changes, especially in the context of an eclamptic seizure.
Question 118: A 14-year-old girl is brought to the physician because of a 10-day history of vaginal bleeding. The flow is heavy with the passage of clots. Since menarche 1 year ago, menses have occurred at irregular 26- to 32-day intervals and last 3 to 6 days. Her last menstrual period was 4 weeks ago. She has no history of serious illness and takes no medications. Her temperature is 37.1°C (98.8°F), pulse is 98/min, and blood pressure is 106/70 mm Hg. Pelvic examination shows vaginal bleeding. The remainder of the examination shows no abnormalities. Her hemoglobin is 13.1 g/dL. A urine pregnancy test is negative. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Uterine curettage
B. Tranexamic acid
C. Endometrial ablation
D. Uterine artery embolization
E. Conjugated estrogen therapy (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Conjugated estrogen therapy***
- This patient presents with **acute abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)**, likely due to anovulation, common in adolescent girls; high-dose estrogen can rapidly stabilize the endometrium and stop acute bleeding.
- The **negative pregnancy test**, stable vital signs, and normal hemoglobin suggest her condition, while concerning, is not immediately life-threatening, making medical management with high-dose estrogen appropriate.
*Uterine curettage*
- This is an **invasive procedure** generally reserved for severe, refractory cases of AUB or in situations where endometrial sampling is required to rule out malignancy, which is unlikely in this adolescent.
- It is often unnecessary as medical management is typically effective and preferred as a **first-line treatment** in young patients.
*Tranexamic acid*
- Tranexamic acid is an **antifibrinolytic agent** that can reduce menstrual blood loss but is typically effective for reducing menorrhagia over time, not for acutely stopping heavy, ongoing bleeding with clots.
- While it can be considered for long-term management of heavy menstrual bleeding, it is **less effective than high-dose estrogen** for an acute, heavy bleeding episode.
*Endometrial ablation*
- This procedure destroys the endometrial lining and is reserved for women who have completed childbearing and have **refractory heavy menstrual bleeding** after failing medical therapies.
- It is **not appropriate for an adolescent** who has just started menstruating and whose condition is likely temporary and treatable with less invasive methods.
*Uterine artery embolization*
- Uterine artery embolization is primarily used to treat **uterine fibroids** or adenomyosis, conditions that are highly unlikely in a 14-year-old girl.
- It is an **invasive radiological procedure** with potential risks to future fertility, making it an inappropriate choice for an adolescent with presumed anovulatory bleeding.
Question 119: A 36-year-old primigravid woman at 34 weeks' gestation comes to the physician because of a 1-week history of upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, and malaise. She had a mild upper respiratory tract infection a week ago. She has a 10-year history of polycystic ovarian syndrome and a 3-year history of hypertension. Her medications include metformin, labetalol, folic acid, and a multivitamin. Her pulse is 92/min, respirations are 18/min, and blood pressure is 147/84 mm Hg. Examination shows a nontender uterus consistent in size with a 34-week gestation. There is mild tenderness of the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. The fetal heart rate is reactive with no decelerations. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Reassurance and follow-up
B. Serum transaminase levels and platelet count (Correct Answer)
C. Serum bile acid levels
D. HBsAg and IgM anti-HBc serology
E. Stool antigen assay for H. pylori
Explanation: ***Serum transaminase levels and platelet count***
- The patient presents with symptoms such as **upper abdominal discomfort**, nausea, malaise, and **mild right upper quadrant tenderness**, along with a history of **hypertension** in pregnancy, raising concern for **preeclampsia with severe features** or **HELLP syndrome**.
- **Elevated liver transaminases** and **thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)** are hallmarks of HELLP syndrome, which requires urgent evaluation and management.
*Reassurance and follow-up*
- Given the concerning symptoms and risk factors, simply reassuring the patient without further investigation would be **inappropriate** and could lead to delayed diagnosis and potential harm.
- The symptoms described are not typical minor complaints of pregnancy and warrant a prompt workup.
*Serum bile acid levels*
- Elevated serum bile acid levels are primarily indicative of **intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)**, which typically presents with **pruritus** (itching), especially on the palms and soles, without significant right upper quadrant pain or other systemic symptoms seen here.
- While ICP can cause some abdominal discomfort, the constellation of symptoms in this patient points more strongly towards preeclampsia/HELLP.
*HBsAg and IgM anti-HBc serology*
- These tests are used to diagnose **Hepatitis B infection**. While hepatitis could cause similar symptoms like nausea and abdominal discomfort, there is no specific risk factor or clinical sign (e.g., jaundice, dark urine) in this patient to prioritize hepatitis screening as the immediate next step over evaluating for preeclampsia/HELLP.
- The symptoms are more consistent with pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders.
*Stool antigen assay for H. pylori*
- This assay is used to diagnose **Helicobacter pylori infection**, which can cause gastritis or peptic ulcer disease.
- While H. pylori can cause upper abdominal discomfort and nausea, the patient's existing hypertension, late-stage pregnancy, and lack of symptoms specific to gastritis (e.g., burning pain, response to antacids) make preeclampsia/HELLP a more pressing concern.
Question 120: A 64-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 4-month history of vulvar itching and dryness. During this period, she has also had pain during sexual intercourse but no postcoital bleeding. Her last menstrual period was at the age of 51 years. She has type 2 diabetes mellitus and her only medication is metformin. Pelvic examination shows atrophic labial folds. There are excoriation marks and a well-demarcated, white plaque on the vulva. The remainder of the examination shows no abnormalities. The results of biopsy rule out cancer. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in treatment for this patient's lesions?
A. Phototherapy
B. Topical clobetasol (Correct Answer)
C. Topical progesterone
D. Topical estrogen
E. Topical fluconazole
Explanation: ***Topical clobetasol***
- The patient's symptoms (vulvar itching, dryness, dyspareunia), physical findings (atrophic labial folds, excoriation marks, well-demarcated white plaque), and biopsy ruling out cancer are highly suggestive of **lichen sclerosus**.
- **High-potency topical corticosteroids**, such as clobetasol, are the **first-line treatment** for lichen sclerosus to reduce inflammation, itching, and prevent disease progression.
*Phototherapy*
- **Phototherapy** is primarily used for extensive, chronic inflammatory skin conditions like **psoriasis** or **severe eczema**, not typically for localized vulvar lichen sclerosus.
- Its application in the vulvar area may be limited due to sensitivity and risk of adverse effects in a delicate tissue.
*Topical progesterone*
- **Topical progesterone** is not a standard treatment for **vulvar lichen sclerosus** or vulvar atrophy.
- Its primary use is in hormone replacement therapy or management of certain menstrual disorders, neither of which applies directly to the inflammatory skin condition described.
*Topical estrogen*
- While topical estrogen would address the **atrophic labial folds** and dryness related to **menopause** (given her age and last menstrual period), it does **not treat the lichen sclerosus** itself (the white plaque and inflammatory component).
- The excoriation marks and the specific appearance of the white plaque point more strongly to an inflammatory dermatosis than solely atrophy.
*Topical fluconazole*
- **Topical fluconazole** is an **antifungal agent** used to treat **yeast infections**, such as vulvovaginal candidiasis.
- Although itching is present, the well-demarcated white plaque and biopsy results (ruling out cancer) are not consistent with a fungal infection.