USMLE Step 3 Quiz: Gynecologic Preventive Care

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Gynecologic Preventive Care, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for USMLE Step 3.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

Question 1

1. Recommend supplemental screening with a whole-breast ultrasound annually in addition to her mammogram.
2. Recommend supplemental screening with a breast MRI annually in addition to her mammogram.
3. Advise her that routine supplemental screening is not recommended for average-risk women, despite breast density. (correct answer)
4. Explain that tomosynthesis (3D mammography) is the only indicated next step and should replace her standard mammogram.

Explanation: The most appropriate response is to counsel the patient that while dense breasts are a risk factor for breast cancer and can decrease the sensitivity of mammography, major guidelines do not currently recommend routine supplemental screening (with ultrasound or MRI) for average-risk women based on breast density alone. This is due to a lack of evidence demonstrating mortality benefit and a high rate of false positives, leading to unnecessary biopsies and patient anxiety. While tomosynthesis is often preferred for women with dense breasts, it is increasingly becoming the standard mammogram itself, and suggesting it as the only option is too strong; the core of the issue is counseling on supplemental screening. Recommending annual ultrasound or MRI is incorrect as these are typically reserved for high-risk women (e.g., BRCA mutation carriers, strong family history, prior chest radiation).

Question 2

1. Administer the remaining two doses of the vaccine series. (correct answer)
2. Restart the entire 3-dose vaccine series from the beginning.
3. No further vaccination is needed since she is older than 26.
4. Perform shared decision-making to determine if completion is warranted.

Explanation: According to ACIP guidelines, if the HPV vaccine series is interrupted, it does not need to be restarted - the patient should receive the remaining doses to complete the series. Since this patient started the series before age 27, the standard recommendation is to complete it with the remaining two doses. For individuals aged 27-45 who were not previously vaccinated, shared clinical decision-making is recommended, but this patient has already initiated the series.

Question 3

1. Proceed directly to colposcopy with endocervical sampling.
2. Repeat co-testing (Pap and HPV test) in 12 months. (correct answer)
3. Repeat HPV testing only in 12 months.
4. Return to routine co-testing in 3 years.

Explanation: This patient has a Pap-negative, HPV-positive (non-16/18) screening result. According to the ASCCP risk-based guidelines, this combination confers a relatively low immediate risk of high-grade disease. The recommended management is to repeat co-testing in 12 months. This allows time for the transient HPV infection to clear. If the repeat testing is again abnormal, colposcopy would then be considered. Proceeding directly to colposcopy is overtreatment for this specific result. Returning to routine screening is inappropriate as the positive HPV test requires surveillance. Repeating only HPV testing is not the preferred option; co-testing provides more information for risk stratification at the follow-up visit.

Question 4

1. Increasing folic acid supplementation from 0.4 mg to 4 mg daily.
2. Checking her immunity status for rubella and varicella.
3. Consulting her neurologist to transition to a safer antiepileptic drug. (correct answer)
4. Arranging for a high-resolution ultrasound at 18 weeks of gestation.

Explanation: Valproic acid is a highly teratogenic medication, associated with a significant risk of major congenital malformations, particularly neural tube defects, as well as cognitive impairment in the offspring. The most critical intervention before conception is to consult with her neurologist to plan a switch to a safer alternative antiepileptic drug (e.g., lamotrigine, levetiracetam). While higher-dose folic acid, checking immunities, and detailed fetal ultrasounds are all important components of her care, none are as critical as mitigating the risk from the known teratogenic exposure of valproic acid before she becomes pregnant.

Question 5

1. Serum serology for Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2.
2. Vaginal nucleic acid amplification test for Trichomonas vaginalis.
3. Urine nucleic acid amplification test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. (correct answer)
4. Serum treponemal antibody test for Syphilis.

Explanation: The USPSTF strongly recommends (Grade B) screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in all sexually active women aged 24 years and younger. This patient falls into that category and has additional risk factors (multiple partners, inconsistent condom use). Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) on a urine or vaginal swab sample is the preferred method. Routine serologic screening for HSV in asymptomatic individuals is not recommended (Grade D). Screening for trichomoniasis is recommended for women with HIV but not routinely for the general asymptomatic population. Syphilis screening is recommended for all pregnant women and others at increased risk, but routine screening for a patient like this is less emphasized than chlamydia/gonorrhea screening unless local prevalence is high.

Question 6

1. Annual screening with transvaginal ultrasound.
2. Initiation of a progestin-releasing IUD. (correct answer)
3. A low-carbohydrate diet and exercise plan only.
4. An endometrial biopsy every 2 years.

Explanation: This patient has multiple risk factors for endometrial hyperplasia and cancer due to chronic anovulation (from PCOS) and obesity, leading to prolonged exposure to unopposed estrogen. The most effective method for endometrial protection is to provide a progestin. A levonorgestrel-releasing IUD provides excellent, continuous, local progestin to the endometrium, which counteracts the proliferative effects of estrogen, induces endometrial atrophy, and significantly reduces her risk of endometrial cancer. While lifestyle changes are crucial, they may not be sufficient to regulate her cycles, and endometrial protection is needed now. Screening with ultrasound or biopsy are diagnostic tools for suspected pathology, not primary prevention strategies.

Question 7

1. Reassure her that her family history does not meet criteria for testing.
2. Recommend testing only if her aunt's tumor tissue can be tested first.
3. Offer her genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. (correct answer)
4. Recommend increased surveillance with breast MRI instead of genetic testing.

Explanation: Guidelines for genetic testing for BRCA1/2 mutations include specific criteria for individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. Due to a higher carrier frequency of founder mutations in this population, the threshold for testing is lower. Any patient of Ashkenazi Jewish descent with a personal or close family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or aggressive prostate cancer at any age is eligible for testing. Her paternal aunt with breast cancer qualifies her. Therefore, offering her genetic testing is the most appropriate step. Reassurance is incorrect. Waiting for her aunt's tissue is not necessary. Increased surveillance with MRI is based on having a known mutation or a calculated lifetime risk >20%, so testing should precede this decision.

Question 8

1. Perform a Pap test now, and if normal, repeat in 3 years.
2. Perform co-testing with Pap and HPV now, and if normal, repeat in 5 years.
3. Defer screening until age 30, then begin co-testing every 5 years.
4. Perform a Pap test now, and if normal, repeat in 12 months. (correct answer)

Explanation: Women with HIV are at increased risk for cervical dysplasia and cancer and have specific screening guidelines. Screening should begin within one year of HIV diagnosis, regardless of age (for those over 21). Initial screening consists of a Pap test. If normal, it should be repeated in 12 months. If three consecutive annual Pap tests are normal, the screening interval can then be extended to every 3 years. Co-testing is not recommended for women under 30, even those with HIV. Therefore, the correct plan is to perform a Pap test now and repeat it in one year.

Question 9

1. Reassure the patient and schedule a repeat screening mammogram in 6 months.
2. Refer the patient directly for an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy.
3. Order a breast MRI as it has the highest sensitivity for detecting cancer.
4. Schedule the patient for diagnostic mammography with tomosynthesis. (correct answer)

Explanation: When you encounter a BI-RADS 0 mammography result, remember that this classification means "incomplete assessment" - additional imaging is needed before any clinical decisions can be made. This isn't a finding suggestive of cancer; it's simply an indication that the initial images were insufficient for proper evaluation. The correct next step is diagnostic mammography with tomosynthesis (option D). Diagnostic mammography differs from screening mammography in that it uses targeted views to better evaluate specific areas of concern. Tomosynthesis (3D mammography) provides cross-sectional images that can help distinguish true architectural distortion from overlapping normal breast tissue, which is often the cause of BI-RADS 0 findings. Option A is inappropriate because you never ignore a BI-RADS 0 recommendation for additional imaging. This could lead to delayed diagnosis if there truly is an abnormality present. Option B jumps directly to biopsy without completing the imaging workup. You need diagnostic imaging first to determine if there's actually a target lesion requiring tissue sampling. Option C suggests MRI as the next step, but this is premature and expensive. MRI is typically reserved for high-risk patients or when conventional imaging remains inconclusive after diagnostic mammography. Remember the stepwise approach to breast imaging: screening mammography → diagnostic mammography (if BI-RADS 0) → additional modalities if needed → biopsy only if a definitive lesion is identified. Don't skip steps in the imaging algorithm, as this can lead to unnecessary procedures or missed diagnoses.

Question 10

1. Initiate pharmacologic therapy with a bisphosphonate. (correct answer)
2. Repeat the DEXA scan in 1 year to confirm progression.
3. Advise calcium and vitamin D supplementation only.
4. Reassure her, as thiazide diuretics are protective of bone density.

Explanation: The diagnosis of osteoporosis is made with a T-score of -2.5 or lower at any site (hip, femoral neck, or lumbar spine). This patient's lumbar spine T-score of -2.7 meets the diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis. Therefore, initiation of pharmacologic therapy (e.g., an oral bisphosphonate like alendronate) is indicated to reduce her risk of fracture, in addition to counseling on adequate calcium/vitamin D intake and weight-bearing exercise. Repeating the DEXA scan in a year would unnecessarily delay treatment. Supplementation alone is insufficient for treating established osteoporosis. While thiazides can have a modest beneficial effect on bone density, this does not negate the diagnosis or the need for treatment.

Question 11

1. Reassure her that no further treatment is needed unless her symptoms recur.
2. Perform a repeat vulvar biopsy to confirm histologic remission of the disease.
3. Refer her for prophylactic laser ablation of the affected areas to prevent cancer.
4. Advise long-term maintenance therapy with a topical corticosteroid one to three times per week. (correct answer)

Explanation: When you encounter a question about lichen sclerosus management, remember that this is a chronic, progressive autoimmune condition with significant malignant potential that requires lifelong monitoring and maintenance therapy, even during asymptomatic periods. The correct approach is D) long-term maintenance therapy with topical corticosteroids. Lichen sclerosus has a well-documented risk of progression to vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (4-6% lifetime risk). Even when patients achieve clinical remission and become asymptomatic, the underlying disease process continues. Maintenance therapy with low-to-moderate potency topical corticosteroids 1-3 times weekly helps prevent disease progression, reduces malignant transformation risk, and maintains the remission achieved with initial treatment. A is incorrect because lichen sclerosus requires ongoing management regardless of symptoms. Waiting for symptom recurrence allows disease progression and increases cancer risk. B is wrong because repeat biopsy isn't routinely indicated in asymptomatic patients with typical residual changes; biopsy is reserved for suspicious lesions or treatment-resistant areas. C is inappropriate because laser ablation is not standard prophylactic therapy and doesn't address the underlying autoimmune process—it may actually worsen the condition. Key takeaway for Step 3: Lichen sclerosus questions often test whether you understand the difference between symptomatic relief and long-term disease management. Always choose maintenance therapy over "wait and see" approaches, as this condition's cancer risk makes ongoing treatment essential even during remission periods.

Question 12

1. Continue Pap testing every 3 years on the vaginal vault.
2. Continue HPV testing every 5 years on the vaginal vault.
3. Discontinue all future cervical and vaginal cancer screening. (correct answer)
4. Perform one final co-test now, and if negative, discontinue screening.

Explanation: The correct answer is to discontinue all future cervical cancer screening. Guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend discontinuing cervical cancer screening in women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) for benign indications. This patient's surgery was for leiomyomas, and she has no history of high-grade cervical dysplasia (CIN 2/3) or cervical cancer. Therefore, she is no longer at risk for cervical cancer and does not require further screening with Pap tests or HPV testing. Screening of the vaginal vault (vaginal cuff smears) is not recommended for women without a history of high-grade dysplasia or cervical cancer due to very low yield.

Question 13

1. A fasting plasma glucose level at her 1-year postpartum visit.
2. A hemoglobin A1c measurement today.
3. Reassurance that her risk returns to baseline after delivery and no testing is needed.
4. A 75-gram, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test between 4 and 12 weeks postpartum. (correct answer)

Explanation: When you encounter a patient with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), think about postpartum diabetes screening guidelines. Women with GDM have a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, making appropriate screening crucial. The correct approach is option D: a 75-gram, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 4 and 12 weeks postpartum. This is the gold standard recommended by major organizations including the American Diabetes Association and ACOG. The OGTT is more sensitive than other tests for detecting glucose intolerance and can identify both diabetes and prediabetes in the postpartum period when insulin resistance patterns are stabilizing. Option A is incorrect because waiting until one year is too late for initial postpartum screening. Early detection allows for lifestyle interventions and closer monitoring during the critical postpartum period. Option B is wrong because hemoglobin A1c at 6 weeks postpartum can be misleading. Pregnancy-related physiological changes, including altered red blood cell turnover and the recent normalization of glucose levels, make A1c less reliable in the immediate postpartum period. Option C represents a dangerous misconception. While glucose levels normalize after delivery, the underlying insulin resistance that caused GDM indicates a substantially elevated lifetime risk for type 2 diabetes—not a return to baseline risk. Remember this pattern: GDM history = mandatory postpartum OGTT between 4-12 weeks. This early screening window allows for timely identification of persistent glucose intolerance and initiation of preventive measures.

Question 14

1. Cervical cancer screening with a Pap test. (correct answer)
2. Testosterone level to screen for hypogonadism.
3. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing.
4. Osteoporosis screening with a DEXA scan.

Explanation: Preventive screening should be based on the organs present, not on gender identity or hormone use. This patient has a cervix and is therefore at risk for cervical cancer from HPV infection. He requires cervical cancer screening according to the same guidelines as for cisgender women (i.e., starting at age 21). Testosterone therapy can make sample collection more difficult due to vaginal atrophy but does not eliminate the need for screening. He does not have a prostate, so PSA testing is irrelevant. Testosterone levels are monitored as part of his hormone therapy, not as a screening test for a new condition. Osteoporosis screening is not indicated at his age unless other specific risk factors are present.

Question 15

1. Order a baseline dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan now.
2. Reassure her and plan to order her first DEXA scan at age 65.
3. Calculate her 10-year fracture risk using the FRAX tool. (correct answer)
4. Advise calcium and vitamin D supplementation as sufficient prevention.

Explanation: According to USPSTF guidelines, all women aged 65 and older should be screened for osteoporosis with a DEXA scan. For postmenopausal women younger than 65, screening is recommended if their 10-year fracture risk is equal to or greater than that of a 65-year-old white woman without major risk factors. The FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment) tool is used to calculate this risk. This patient is under 65 but has a significant risk factor (parental hip fracture). Therefore, the correct next step is to use the FRAX tool to guide the decision on whether to perform a DEXA scan now. Ordering a DEXA scan without first calculating risk is not the guideline-recommended approach. Waiting until age 65 would inappropriately ignore her known risk factor. Supplementation is important but does not replace risk assessment and screening.

Question 16

1. Copper intrauterine device (IUD).
2. Combined oral contraceptive pills. (correct answer)
3. Etonogestrel implant.
4. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injection.

Explanation: The use of combined (estrogen-progestin) oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) is associated with a significant and long-lasting reduction in the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. The risk reduction increases with the duration of use and can be up to 50% after 5 years of use, persisting for decades after discontinuation. While other hormonal methods like the depot injection or progestin-only pills/implants may have some risk-reducing effect, the evidence is strongest and the effect size is largest for combined hormonal contraceptives. The copper IUD is non-hormonal and has no effect on ovarian cancer risk.

Question 17

1. Acknowledge her concern and explain that the HPV vaccine is a cancer prevention vaccine recommended for both boys and girls. (correct answer)
2. Advise her that the vaccine is less effective in boys and primarily prevents genital warts, not cancer.
3. Suggest that since her son is not yet sexually active, vaccination can be safely deferred for a few more years.
4. Explain that oropharyngeal cancers are rare and not a primary target of the current HPV vaccine.

Explanation: This question tests communication and knowledge of HPV vaccination. The most appropriate response is to validate the patient's concern and provide accurate information. The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing infections that cause multiple types of cancer, including cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. It is strongly recommended for all adolescents, both boys and girls, ideally at age 11-12, before they are exposed to the virus. Distractor B is incorrect; the vaccine is highly effective in boys and prevents cancer. Distractor C is incorrect; vaccination is most effective when given before the onset of sexual activity. Distractor D is incorrect; HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are increasing in incidence, and the 9-valent vaccine protects against the types that cause the majority of them.

Question 18

1. The 50% reduction is a relative risk reduction; the absolute risk reduction is 2%, which means 50 women need to be treated for 3 years to prevent one fracture. (correct answer)
2. The advertisement is correct, taking this drug will cut her personal chance of a spinal fracture in half regardless of her baseline risk.
3. The benefit is too small to be clinically meaningful, so she should focus on calcium and vitamin D instead of considering this medication.
4. The study shows a clear benefit, and she should start the medication immediately to receive the 50% risk reduction.

Explanation: This question tests the ability to interpret and communicate clinical trial data. The 50% figure is the relative risk reduction ([4%-2%]/4% = 50%). While statistically correct, it can be misleading. The absolute risk reduction (ARR) is the actual difference in event rates (4% - 2% = 2%). The number needed to treat (NNT) is the reciprocal of the ARR (1/0.02 = 50). The most accurate and complete explanation for the patient involves explaining both relative and absolute risk, and the NNT provides a tangible measure of the treatment's impact. The other options either misinterpret relative risk, make a value judgment for the patient, or fail to provide a complete picture for shared decision-making.

Question 19

1. Combined oral contraceptive pills.
2. Contraceptive transdermal patch.
3. Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. (correct answer)
4. Vaginal ring releasing estrogen and progestin.

Explanation: This patient has multiple contraindications to estrogen-containing contraceptives (combined pills, patch, ring). These include being over age 35 and a smoker, as well as a history of migraine with aura, both of which significantly increase the risk of ischemic stroke. The levonorgestrel-releasing IUS is a progestin-only method that is highly effective, long-acting, and does not carry the same cardiovascular risks. It is a CDC Medical Eligibility Criteria Category 1 (no restrictions) choice for her, making it the most appropriate and safest option.