ABPS Patient Care & Treatment Decision Making 3

Question 1

A physician learns that a patient has not disclosed a new HIV diagnosis to their sexual partner. What is the most ethically appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Counsel the patient on disclosure obligations and risks to the partner

Answer

The physician should first counsel the patient about their duty to disclose; most jurisdictions allow but do not mandate immediate third-party notification.

Question 2

When applying evidence-based medicine to an individual patient, which factor is LEAST relevant?

Accepted Answer

The treatment cost compared to a different hospital system's pricing

Answer

EBM integrates evidence quality, clinical expertise, and patient values—comparative pricing across institutions is not a core EBM component.

Question 3

A 72-year-old with heart failure and CKD stage 3 needs loop diuretic therapy. Which monitoring parameter is most critical?

Accepted Answer

Serum electrolytes and renal function within 1-2 weeks of initiation

Answer

Loop diuretics can cause electrolyte imbalances and worsen renal function, requiring early laboratory monitoring in CKD patients.

Question 4

Which scenario best represents shared decision-making?

Accepted Answer

The physician presents options with evidence, and patient preferences guide the final choice

Answer

Shared decision-making involves the physician providing evidence-based options while integrating the patient's values into the final treatment plan.

Question 5

A 58-year-old with hypertension is started on lisinopril and develops a dry cough. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Switch to an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)

Answer

ACE inhibitor–induced cough is a class effect; switching to an ARB provides equivalent blood pressure control without this side effect.

(ABPS) American Board of Physician Specialties Certification Practice Test

(ABPS) American Board of Physician Specialties Certification Practice Test

ABPS Patient Care & Treatment Decision Making 3