A 23-year-old woman comes to the physician for a routine health maintenance examination. She feels well. Menses have occurred at regular 30-day intervals and last for 5 days with normal flow. She has a history of gonorrhea that was treated at 20 years of age. She has smoked one pack of cigarettes daily for 3 years. She drinks one glass of wine daily. Her only medication is an oral contraceptive. Vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination including pelvic examination shows no abnormalities. A Pap smear shows high-grade squamous epithelial lesion. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
Q12
A 20-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presents to the urgent care clinic with increased vaginal discharge and dysuria. On social history review, she endorses having multiple recent sexual partners. The patient uses oral contraceptive pills for contraception and states that she has not missed a pill. The patient's blood pressure is 119/80 mm Hg, pulse is 66/min, and respiratory rate is 16/min. On pelvic examination, there are multiple punctate, red petechiae on her cervix. Wet mount demonstrates motile flagellated organisms. Which of the following is the recommended treatment for her underlying diagnosis?
Q13
A 17-year-old girl is brought to the physician by her mother for the evaluation of irregular menstrual bleeding. Menses have occurred at 60- to 90-day intervals since menarche at the age of 12 years. Her last menstrual period was 4 weeks ago. She is sexually active with one male partner, and they use condoms consistently. She reports that she currently has no desire to have children. She is 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) tall and weighs 85 kg (187 lb); BMI is 31 kg/m2. Examination shows scattered pustules on the forehead and oily skin. There is coarse hair on the chin and upper lip. Fingerstick blood glucose concentration is 190 mg/dL. A urine pregnancy test is negative. Which of the following is the most appropriate pharmacotherapy?
Q14
A healthy 47-year-old woman presents to the women’s center for a routine pap smear. She has a past medical history of hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis. She is taking levothyroxine, methotrexate, and adalimumab. The vital signs are within normal limits during her visit today. Her physical examination is grossly normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
Q15
A 16-year-old woman with no known past medical history and non-significant social and family histories presents to the outpatient clinic for an annual wellness checkup. She has no complaints, and her review of systems is negative. She is up to date on her childhood and adolescent vaccinations. The patient's blood pressure is 120/78 mm Hg, pulse is 82/min, respiratory rate is 16/min, and temperature is 37.0°C (98.6°F). On further questioning, she discloses that she has recently become sexual active and enquires about any necessary screening tests for cervical cancer. What is the appropriate recommendation regarding cervical cancer screening in this patient?
Q16
A 27-year-old woman seeks evaluation by her general physician with complaints of an odorous yellow vaginal discharge and vaginal irritation for the past 3 days. She also complains of itching and soreness. The medical history is unremarkable. She is not diabetic. She has been sexually active with a single partner for the last 3 years. A vaginal swab is sent to the lab for microscopic evaluation, the results of which are shown in the exhibit, and the culture yields heavy growth of protozoa. A pregnancy test was negative. What is the most appropriate treatment for this patient?
Q17
A 36-year-old primigravid woman at 15 weeks' gestation comes to the physician for a routine prenatal visit. She has not been taking prenatal vitamins and admits to consuming alcohol regularly. Pelvic examination shows a uterus consistent in size with a 15-week gestation. A quadruple screening test shows markedly elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein. Maternal serum concentrations of β-human chorionic gonadotropin, estriol, and inhibin A are normal. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these findings?
Q18
A 41-year-old woman presents for evaluation of a mild bloody vaginal discharge for the past 4 months. Bleeding increases after sexual intercourse. For the past few weeks, the patient also began to note an unpleasant odor. The patient has a regular 28-day menstrual cycle. Her husband has been her only sexual partner for the past 15 years. She has a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) that was inserted 4 years ago. She does not take oral contraceptives. She has not had a gynecologic evaluation since the IUD was placed. She is a machine operator. Her past medical history is significant for Graves’ disease with thyrotoxicosis that was treated with radioactive iodine ablation. The BMI is 22 kg/m2. The gynecologic examination shows no vulvar or vaginal lesions. The cervix is deformed and a 4-cm exophytic mass with necrotization is noted arising from the posterior lip of the cervix. The uterus is not enlarged. No masses are palpable in the adnexa. What is the most probable cause of the patient’s condition?
Q19
An 18-year-old primigravid woman comes to the physician for her first prenatal visit at 20 weeks' gestation. There is no family history of serious illness. She appears healthy and well-nourished. The uterus is palpated up to the level of the umbilicus. Laboratory studies show a maternal serum α-fetoprotein concentration of 8.2 MoM (N = 0.5–2.0). Ultrasonography shows a defect in the fetal abdominal wall to the right of the umbilical cord. A part of the fetus' bowels herniates through the abdominal defect and is suspended freely in the amniotic fluid. This fetus's condition is most likely associated with which of the following?
Q20
A 28-year-old G0P0 woman presents to a gynecologist for evaluation of a breast mass. She has never seen a gynecologist before but says she noticed the mass herself while showering yesterday. She also reports a neck ache following a minor car accident last week in which she was a restrained driver. She otherwise feels well and has no personal or family history of major illness. Her last menstrual period was 3 weeks ago. Physical exam reveals a hard, round, nontender, 2-cm mass of the inferomedial quadrant of the left breast with trace bruising. Regional lymph nodes are not palpable. Which of the following is the next best step in management?
Screening tests US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 11: A 23-year-old woman comes to the physician for a routine health maintenance examination. She feels well. Menses have occurred at regular 30-day intervals and last for 5 days with normal flow. She has a history of gonorrhea that was treated at 20 years of age. She has smoked one pack of cigarettes daily for 3 years. She drinks one glass of wine daily. Her only medication is an oral contraceptive. Vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination including pelvic examination shows no abnormalities. A Pap smear shows high-grade squamous epithelial lesion. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Endometrial sampling
B. Repeat cytology in 6 months
C. Loop electrosurgical excision
D. Cervical biopsy
E. Colposcopy (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Colposcopy***
- A **colposcopy** is the appropriate next step for a **high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL)** on a Pap smear, as it allows for direct visualization of the cervix and targeted biopsies.
- This procedure helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent and severity of the lesion.
*Endometrial sampling*
- **Endometrial sampling** is used to investigate abnormal uterine bleeding or evaluate for endometrial hyperplasia/carcinoma, not cervical abnormalities.
- The patient has regular menses and no other symptoms suggestive of endometrial pathology.
*Repeat cytology in 6 months*
- **Repeat cytology in 6 months** is usually reserved for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) or atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), especially in younger patients.
- An HSIL finding warrants immediate colposcopy due to the higher risk of progression to cancer.
*Loop electrosurgical excision*
- **Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)** is a treatment modality used after a significant lesion (e.g., CIN 2/3) has been identified and localized by colposcopy and biopsy.
- It is not the initial diagnostic step following an abnormal Pap smear showing HSIL.
*Cervical biopsy*
- A **cervical biopsy** is typically performed as part of a colposcopy, where abnormal areas are directly visualized and sampled.
- Performing a random cervical biopsy without colposcopic guidance might miss the high-grade lesion or lead to inadequate sampling.
Question 12: A 20-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presents to the urgent care clinic with increased vaginal discharge and dysuria. On social history review, she endorses having multiple recent sexual partners. The patient uses oral contraceptive pills for contraception and states that she has not missed a pill. The patient's blood pressure is 119/80 mm Hg, pulse is 66/min, and respiratory rate is 16/min. On pelvic examination, there are multiple punctate, red petechiae on her cervix. Wet mount demonstrates motile flagellated organisms. Which of the following is the recommended treatment for her underlying diagnosis?
A. Vaginal metronidazole
B. PO fluconazole
C. Vaginal clindamycin
D. Single-dose PO metronidazole (Correct Answer)
E. IM benzathine penicillin
Explanation: ***Single-dose PO metronidazole***
- The symptoms of **increased vaginal discharge**, **dysuria**, and **cervical petechiae** (strawberry cervix) in a sexually active woman, along with motile, flagellated organisms on wet mount, are classic for **Trichomonas vaginalis** infection.
- The recommended treatment for trichomoniasis is a single 2-gram oral dose of **metronidazole**, or 500 mg orally twice daily for 7 days.
*Vaginal metronidazole*
- While metronidazole is the correct drug, the **vaginal formulation** is less effective than oral metronidazole for treating trichomoniasis.
- **Oral metronidazole** achieves higher systemic concentrations and treats potential involvement of the **urethra** and **paraurethral glands**, which vaginal formulations may not adequately address.
*PO fluconazole*
- **Fluconazole** is an antifungal medication primarily used to treat **yeast infections** (candidiasis), not parasitic infections like trichomoniasis.
- The clinical presentation and wet mount findings (motile flagellated organisms) are not consistent with a yeast infection.
*Vaginal clindamycin*
- **Clindamycin** is an antibiotic used to treat **bacterial vaginosis** (BV).
- While BV can cause vaginal discharge, the presence of **motile flagellated organisms** and **cervical petechiae** are specific to trichomoniasis, and not typically seen in BV.
*IM benzathine penicillin*
- **Benzathine penicillin** is the standard treatment for **syphilis**.
- The patient's symptoms and wet mount findings are not indicative of syphilis, which presents with chancres, rashes, or neurological symptoms depending on the stage.
Question 13: A 17-year-old girl is brought to the physician by her mother for the evaluation of irregular menstrual bleeding. Menses have occurred at 60- to 90-day intervals since menarche at the age of 12 years. Her last menstrual period was 4 weeks ago. She is sexually active with one male partner, and they use condoms consistently. She reports that she currently has no desire to have children. She is 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) tall and weighs 85 kg (187 lb); BMI is 31 kg/m2. Examination shows scattered pustules on the forehead and oily skin. There is coarse hair on the chin and upper lip. Fingerstick blood glucose concentration is 190 mg/dL. A urine pregnancy test is negative. Which of the following is the most appropriate pharmacotherapy?
A. Insulin
B. Leuprolide
C. Combination oral contraceptives (Correct Answer)
D. Danazol
E. Metformin
Explanation: ***Combination oral contraceptives***
- This patient presents with symptoms highly suggestive of **polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)**, including irregular menses, hirsutism, acne, obesity, and elevated blood glucose. **Combination oral contraceptives (COCs)** are the first-line treatment for PCOS to regulate menstrual cycles and manage hyperandrogenism.
- COCs suppress **gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)**, reducing ovarian androgen production, and increase **sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)**, which lowers free testosterone levels.
*Insulin*
- While the patient has **elevated blood glucose (190 mg/dL)**, this is likely secondary to **insulin resistance** associated with PCOS. Insulin therapy is typically reserved for more severe hyperglycemia or diabetes unresponsive to oral agents.
- Treating insulin resistance with **metformin** or lifestyle changes is usually preferred before initiating insulin in PCOS patients.
*Leuprolide*
- **Leuprolide** is a **GnRH agonist** that initially stimulates and then down-regulates pituitary gonadotropin release, leading to a hypogonadal state. It is primarily used for conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
- While it can suppress androgen production, it is not the first-line treatment for **PCOS** due to potential side effects and the immediate goal of cycle regulation and symptom management with COCs.
*Danazol*
- **Danazol** is a synthetic androgen that suppresses gonadotropin release, leading to an anovulatory state and decreased estrogen production. It is used in conditions like **endometriosis** and **fibrocystic breast disease**.
- It has significant **androgenic side effects**, which would exacerbate the patient's existing hirsutism and acne, making it an inappropriate choice for PCOS.
*Metformin*
- **Metformin** is an **insulin sensitizer** that is often used in PCOS patients, especially those with insulin resistance and an elevated BMI, to improve glucose metabolism and ovulation.
- While metformin could be a valuable adjunct, the primary and most appropriate initial pharmacotherapy for managing irregular menses, hirsutism, and acne in PCOS is **combination oral contraceptives**.
Question 14: A healthy 47-year-old woman presents to the women’s center for a routine pap smear. She has a past medical history of hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis. She is taking levothyroxine, methotrexate, and adalimumab. The vital signs are within normal limits during her visit today. Her physical examination is grossly normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
A. Colonoscopy
B. Colposcopy
C. Mammography in 3 years
D. Mammography (Correct Answer)
E. Breast self-examination
Explanation: ***Mammography***
- The patient is 47 years old, and a **baseline mammogram** is recommended for women aged 40-49, with annual screening starting at 50, although some guidelines recommend annual screening from 40.
- Given her age and absence of recent screening, ordering a mammogram is the **most appropriate next step** for breast cancer screening.
*Colonoscopy*
- **Colorectal cancer screening** with colonoscopy typically begins at age **45 years for average-risk individuals** (per latest guidelines), or earlier if there are specific risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer.
- While important, this patient's primary presentation is for a **Pap smear**, indicating a focus on gynecological and associated screenings. Without further symptoms pertaining to the colon, a mammogram is a more immediate priority as a general health screening, considering the timing of her visit.
*Colposcopy*
- A colposcopy is performed to **further evaluate abnormal Pap smear results**, such as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or higher.
- The question states the visit is for a **routine Pap smear**, implying the results are not yet known or are expected to be normal, making colposcopy premature.
*Mammography in 3 years*
- Waiting three years for a mammogram would **delay routine screening** beyond recommended guidelines for a 47-year-old woman.
- Current guidelines suggest either **annual or biennial screening** for women in their 40s.
*Breast self-examination*
- While breast self-examination (BSE) can promote **breast awareness**, it is **not considered a primary screening tool** for breast cancer due to a lack of evidence show that it reduces mortality.
- **Clinical breast exams** (CBE) performed by a healthcare provider, along with mammography, are the recommended screening methods.
Question 15: A 16-year-old woman with no known past medical history and non-significant social and family histories presents to the outpatient clinic for an annual wellness checkup. She has no complaints, and her review of systems is negative. She is up to date on her childhood and adolescent vaccinations. The patient's blood pressure is 120/78 mm Hg, pulse is 82/min, respiratory rate is 16/min, and temperature is 37.0°C (98.6°F). On further questioning, she discloses that she has recently become sexual active and enquires about any necessary screening tests for cervical cancer. What is the appropriate recommendation regarding cervical cancer screening in this patient?
A. Begin 2-year interval cervical cancer screening via Pap smear at 19 years of age
B. Offer to administer the HPV vaccine so that Pap smears can be avoided
C. Begin 2-year interval cervical cancer screening via Pap smear today
D. Begin 5-year interval cervical cancer screening via Pap smear at age 21
E. Begin 3-year interval cervical cancer screening via Pap smear at age 21 (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Begin 3-year interval cervical cancer screening via Pap smear at age 21***
- Current guidelines from organizations like the **USPSTF** and **ACOG** recommend starting cervical cancer screening at age 21, regardless of the age of sexual debut.
- For women aged 21-29, the standard recommendation is to undergo **cytology (Pap smear) alone every 3 years**.
*Begin 2-year interval cervical cancer screening via Pap smear at 19 years of age*
- This recommendation is too early and the interval is not consistent with current guidelines for routine screening based on age.
- Starting screening at 19 years old is not supported by major medical organizations, which uniformly advise starting at age 21.
*Offer to administer the HPV vaccine so that Pap smears can be avoided*
- While the **HPV vaccine is highly recommended** for this age group to prevent cervical cancer, it does not eliminate the need for cervical cancer screening.
- Vaccinated individuals can still be at risk for HPV types not covered by the vaccine or for infections acquired prior to vaccination, thus requiring screening.
*Begin 2-year interval cervical cancer screening via Pap smear today*
- This is incorrect as screening is not recommended until age 21, regardless of sexual activity.
- Initiating screening at 16 years old is associated with **overdiagnosis** and overtreatment of benign HPV infections that would likely clear spontaneously, without clinical benefit.
*Begin 5-year interval cervical cancer screening via Pap smear at age 21*
- A 5-year interval for screening with Pap smear alone is not standard for women aged 21-29; this interval is typically reserved for **co-testing (HPV and cytology) in women aged 30-65**.
- For a 21-year-old, the recommended interval for cytology alone is 3 years.
Question 16: A 27-year-old woman seeks evaluation by her general physician with complaints of an odorous yellow vaginal discharge and vaginal irritation for the past 3 days. She also complains of itching and soreness. The medical history is unremarkable. She is not diabetic. She has been sexually active with a single partner for the last 3 years. A vaginal swab is sent to the lab for microscopic evaluation, the results of which are shown in the exhibit, and the culture yields heavy growth of protozoa. A pregnancy test was negative. What is the most appropriate treatment for this patient?
A. Fluconazole
B. Nystatin
C. Acyclovir
D. Metronidazole (Correct Answer)
E. Ampicillin
Explanation: ***Metronidazole***
- The image shows **trichomonads** (flagellated protozoa), and the question describes a **yellow, odorous vaginal discharge** with itching and soreness, consistent with **trichomoniasis**.
- **Metronidazole** is the drug of choice for treating trichomoniasis.
*Fluconazole*
- **Fluconazole** is an antifungal medication primarily used to treat **candidiasis** (yeast infections), which typically presents with a thick, white, "cottage cheese" discharge, not a yellow, odorous discharge.
- The lab results confirm a protozoal infection, not fungal.
*Nystatin*
- **Nystatin** is also an antifungal medication, usually available as a topical or oral rinse, used for **mucocutaneous candidiasis**.
- It would not be effective against a **protozoal infection** like trichomoniasis.
*Acyclovir*
- **Acyclovir** is an antiviral medication used to treat **herpes simplex virus (HSV)** infections, such as genital herpes.
- Genital herpes presents with painful vesicles and ulcers, which are not described in this patient's symptoms.
*Ampicillin*
- **Ampicillin** is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
- It would not be effective against **protozoal infections** like trichomoniasis, and broad-spectrum antibiotics are not indicated here.
Question 17: A 36-year-old primigravid woman at 15 weeks' gestation comes to the physician for a routine prenatal visit. She has not been taking prenatal vitamins and admits to consuming alcohol regularly. Pelvic examination shows a uterus consistent in size with a 15-week gestation. A quadruple screening test shows markedly elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein. Maternal serum concentrations of β-human chorionic gonadotropin, estriol, and inhibin A are normal. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these findings?
A. Spina bifida cystica (Correct Answer)
B. Holoprosencephaly
C. Trisomy 18
D. Fetal alcohol syndrome
E. Trisomy 21
Explanation: ***Spina bifida cystica***
- Markedly elevated **maternal serum α-fetoprotein (MSAFP)**, with otherwise normal quadruple screen results, is highly indicative of an **open neural tube defect**, such as spina bifida cystica.
- Spina bifida cystica involves an **incomplete closure of the spinal column**, allowing fetal cerebrospinal fluid and tissue to leak into the amniotic fluid, thereby elevating MSAFP.
*Holoprosencephaly*
- This condition involves incomplete division of the **forebrain** and is typically associated with **normal or low MSAFP**, not elevated levels.
- It often presents with severe facial anomalies and is sometimes linked to trisomy 13.
*Trisomy 18*
- **Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)** typically presents with a characteristic quadruple screen pattern of **low MSAFP**, low β-hCG, and low estriol, with normal inhibin A.
- The presented elevated MSAFP and otherwise normal values rule out trisomy 18.
*Fetal alcohol syndrome*
- **Fetal alcohol syndrome** is a developmental disorder caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, leading to microcephaly, facial dysmorphia, and neurodevelopmental issues.
- It does not directly cause an **elevated MSAFP**; MSAFP is used to screen for neural tube defects and certain chromosomal abnormalities.
*Trisomy 21*
- **Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)** is characterized by a quadruple screen showing **elevated β-hCG** and **inhibin A**, with **low MSAFP** and estriol.
- The elevated MSAFP and normal β-hCG and inhibin A in this case make trisomy 21 an unlikely diagnosis.
Question 18: A 41-year-old woman presents for evaluation of a mild bloody vaginal discharge for the past 4 months. Bleeding increases after sexual intercourse. For the past few weeks, the patient also began to note an unpleasant odor. The patient has a regular 28-day menstrual cycle. Her husband has been her only sexual partner for the past 15 years. She has a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) that was inserted 4 years ago. She does not take oral contraceptives. She has not had a gynecologic evaluation since the IUD was placed. She is a machine operator. Her past medical history is significant for Graves’ disease with thyrotoxicosis that was treated with radioactive iodine ablation. The BMI is 22 kg/m2. The gynecologic examination shows no vulvar or vaginal lesions. The cervix is deformed and a 4-cm exophytic mass with necrotization is noted arising from the posterior lip of the cervix. The uterus is not enlarged. No masses are palpable in the adnexa. What is the most probable cause of the patient’s condition?
A. Exposure to radioactive iodine
B. Human papillomavirus infection (Correct Answer)
C. IUD complication
D. Exposure to heavy metals
E. Hyperestrogenemia
Explanation: ***Human papillomavirus infection***
- The patient's symptoms, including **post-coital bleeding**, **foul-smelling discharge**, and the presence of a **deformed cervix with a 4-cm exophytic, necrotizing mass**, are highly indicative of **cervical cancer**.
- **High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection** is established as the primary cause of cervical cancer, accounting for over 99% of cases. The patient's lack of recent gynecologic evaluation and long-term IUD use (which does not protect against STIs) are also relevant.
*Exposure to radioactive iodine*
- **Radioactive iodine ablation** for Graves' disease primarily affects the thyroid gland and is not a known cause of cervical cancer or vaginal masses.
- While radiation exposure can increase cancer risk, the type of radiation used for thyroid ablation specifically targets thyroid tissue with minimal systemic impact on other organs like the cervix.
*IUD complication*
- Complications from a **levonorgestrel-releasing IUD** typically involve altered bleeding patterns (lighter periods or amenorrhea), pain, or infection, but rarely cause a large, necrotizing exophytic cervical mass.
- While long-term IUD use without gynecologic follow-up can occasionally mask symptoms or lead to unnoticed infections, it does not directly cause cervical cancer or a mass of this description.
*Exposure to heavy metals*
- Occupational exposure to **heavy metals** (e.g., in a machinery operator) has not been consistently linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer.
- While certain environmental toxins can be carcinogenic, heavy metals are not recognized as a primary risk factor for the specific presentation of cervical cancer.
*Hyperestrogenemia*
- **Hyperestrogenemia** is primarily associated with an increased risk of **endometrial cancer** and, to a lesser extent, breast cancer.
- It does not significantly increase the risk of cervical cancer, which is almost exclusively linked to HPV infection.
Question 19: An 18-year-old primigravid woman comes to the physician for her first prenatal visit at 20 weeks' gestation. There is no family history of serious illness. She appears healthy and well-nourished. The uterus is palpated up to the level of the umbilicus. Laboratory studies show a maternal serum α-fetoprotein concentration of 8.2 MoM (N = 0.5–2.0). Ultrasonography shows a defect in the fetal abdominal wall to the right of the umbilical cord. A part of the fetus' bowels herniates through the abdominal defect and is suspended freely in the amniotic fluid. This fetus's condition is most likely associated with which of the following?
A. Chromosomal trisomy
B. Spina bifida
C. Bladder exstrophy
D. Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
E. Gastroschisis (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Gastroschisis***
- The elevated maternal serum **α-fetoprotein (MSAFP)** and the ultrasound finding of a **paraumbilical abdominal wall defect** with **bowel herniation** freely suspended in amniotic fluid are classic signs of gastroschisis.
- Gastroschisis is a congenital malformation frequently associated with **isolated defects**, and typically *not* with chromosomal abnormalities or other syndromes, differentiating it from omphalocele.
*Chromosomal trisomy*
- While elevated MSAFP can be seen in some chromosomal abnormalities, the specific ultrasound findings of a **freely floating bowel** and a **defect lateral to the umbilical cord** are inconsistent with the typical presentation of chromosomal trisomies, which are more often associated with omphalocele.
- **Omphalocele**, not gastroschisis, is frequently associated with chromosomal abnormalities such as **trisomy 13, 18, and 21**, as well as other genetic syndromes.
*Spina bifida*
- Spina bifida is a **neural tube defect** characterized by a defect in the closure of the spinal column, often with a meningeal or myelomeningeal sac.
- Although it also causes **elevated MSAFP**, the ultrasound finding would show a **spinal defect**, not an abdominal wall defect with herniated bowel.
*Bladder exstrophy*
- Bladder exstrophy involves the **eversion of the bladder** through an anterior abdominal wall defect, exposing the bladder mucosa.
- While it is an anterior abdominal wall defect, the ultrasound would show a **missing bladder**, not herniated bowel, and MSAFP elevation is not a consistent finding.
*Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome*
- This syndrome is associated with **omphalocele**, macroglossia, and organomegaly, but not typically gastroschisis.
- Although omphalocele can cause elevated MSAFP, the specific defect described (**right of the umbilical cord, free-floating bowel**) is characteristic of gastroschisis, which is usually *not* associated with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.
Question 20: A 28-year-old G0P0 woman presents to a gynecologist for evaluation of a breast mass. She has never seen a gynecologist before but says she noticed the mass herself while showering yesterday. She also reports a neck ache following a minor car accident last week in which she was a restrained driver. She otherwise feels well and has no personal or family history of major illness. Her last menstrual period was 3 weeks ago. Physical exam reveals a hard, round, nontender, 2-cm mass of the inferomedial quadrant of the left breast with trace bruising. Regional lymph nodes are not palpable. Which of the following is the next best step in management?
A. Reassurance
B. Mammogram
C. Breast ultrasound (Correct Answer)
D. Incision and drainage
E. Mastectomy
Explanation: ***Breast ultrasound***
- In women under 30 with a palpable breast mass, **ultrasound** is the primary imaging modality due to higher breast density, which limits the effectiveness of mammography.
- Ultrasound can differentiate between **solid and cystic masses** and guide further diagnostic procedures if needed.
*Reassurance*
- While many breast masses are benign, a **newly discovered palpable mass** in a young woman always warrants further investigation to rule out malignancy, especially given the "hard" description.
- Simply providing reassurance without imaging could delay diagnosis of a potentially serious condition.
*Mammogram*
- **Mammography** is less sensitive in younger women due to the **dense glandular tissue** of their breasts, which can obscure masses.
- It involves radiation exposure, which should be minimized in younger patients unless specifically indicated.
*Incision and drainage*
- **Incision and drainage** is a procedure typically reserved for **infected cysts or abscesses**, which usually present with signs of inflammation such as pain, redness, and warmth.
- The patient's mass is described as **nontender** and lacks other signs of infection.
*Mastectomy*
- **Mastectomy** is a surgical procedure for **breast cancer** and is a definitive treatment, not a diagnostic step.
- It would be highly inappropriate to consider mastectomy without a definitive diagnosis and staging of malignancy.