ABFM Clinical Decision Making Flashcards
6 cards from real ABFM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 ABFM Clinical Decision Making flashcards as text
When evaluating a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis, which scoring system helps guide the clinical decision for further testing?
Answer: Wells DVT criteria
The Wells DVT criteria stratify pretest probability of DVT to guide appropriate use of D-dimer testing or imaging.
A family physician must decide whether to prescribe antibiotics for acute otitis media in a 3-year-old. According to evidence-based guidelines, what is most appropriate for uncomplicated cases?
Answer: Watchful waiting for 48-72 hours in mild cases
Current guidelines support watchful waiting for 48-72 hours in children over 2 years with non-severe unilateral acute otitis media before initiating antibiotics.
Which principle of clinical reasoning involves generating the most likely diagnosis first and then ruling out dangerous alternatives?
Answer: Bayesian reasoning
Bayesian reasoning uses pretest probability and diagnostic test results to update the likelihood of a diagnosis in a stepwise fashion.
A 70-year-old man with COPD presents with acute worsening dyspnea. Which initial clinical decision is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Assess oxygen saturation and administer supplemental O2 if needed
Acute dyspnea in a COPD patient requires immediate assessment of oxygen saturation and supplemental oxygen administration if hypoxic.
According to ABFM clinical guidelines, which approach best prevents medication errors in primary care?
Answer: Reconciling medications at every visit using multiple sources
Medication reconciliation using multiple sources (patient, pharmacy, records) at every visit is the most effective strategy to prevent medication errors.
When a clinical guideline conflicts with an individual patient's values, what is the recommended approach in family medicine?
Answer: Apply the guideline as a default but individualize care based on patient context
Guidelines provide population-level recommendations but must be individualized in family medicine, balancing evidence with the patient's unique values and circumstances.