ABPS Medical Knowledge & Clinical Practice Standards 4

Question 1

A 28-year-old woman with a history of migraines presents seeking contraception. Which contraceptive method is contraindicated due to increased stroke risk?

Accepted Answer

Combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives

Answer

Combined hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen are contraindicated in women with migraines with aura due to significantly increased ischemic stroke risk (WHO category 4).

Question 2

A 65-year-old male with COPD has an FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.58 and FEV1 of 42% predicted. According to GOLD criteria, what stage is his COPD?

Accepted Answer

GOLD 3 (Severe)

Answer

GOLD stage 3 (Severe) is defined by post-bronchodilator FEV1 of 30-49% predicted; an FEV1 of 42% predicted falls within this category.

Question 3

Which of the following laboratory findings is most consistent with a diagnosis of hemolytic anemia?

Accepted Answer

Elevated LDH, elevated indirect bilirubin, and low haptoglobin

Answer

Hemolytic anemia is characterized by elevated LDH (from RBC lysis), elevated indirect bilirubin (from heme breakdown), decreased haptoglobin (bound by free hemoglobin), and elevated reticulocytes.

Question 4

According to ABPS standards, which of the following best reflects the principle of evidence-based medicine in clinical practice?

Accepted Answer

Integrating best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values

Answer

Evidence-based medicine as defined by Sackett integrates the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences/values for individualized decision-making.

Question 5

A patient on long-term corticosteroids develops new polyuria and polydipsia. Fasting blood glucose is 142 mg/dL. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Steroid-induced hyperglycemia/diabetes

Answer

Corticosteroids cause insulin resistance and increased hepatic gluconeogenesis, leading to steroid-induced hyperglycemia, which commonly manifests with postprandial glucose elevation.

(ABPS) American Board of Physician Specialties Certification Practice Test

(ABPS) American Board of Physician Specialties Certification Practice Test

ABPS Medical Knowledge & Clinical Practice Standards 4