Adolescent: ABFM practice questions

9 board-style questions on adolescent in the PulseMD family medicine question bank, written against current guidelines with the reference cited on each question. Two free samples below; the full set with answers, explanations, and spaced review is free to start.

Sample question 1

A 17-year-old girl is brought to the ED by her parents after they discovered she cut her forearms with a razor. She says she wanted to die because of bullying at school. She has a plan (taking pills) and access to her mother's opioid prescription. She denies prior attempts but has been increasingly isolated. PHQ-9 is 22 (severe). What is the most critical immediate action?

1. Prescribe fluoxetine and discharge with outpatient follow-up in 1 week
2. Admit involuntarily to inpatient psychiatry immediately without further assessment
3. Contact the school about the bullying and recommend she change schools
4. Conduct a structured suicide risk assessment, ensure safety (means restriction), and arrange for psychiatric evaluation; do not discharge without safety plan

Sample question 2

A 17-year-old male presents with moderate inflammatory acne on his face and upper back. He has numerous open and closed comedones along with approximately 20 inflammatory papules and pustules. He has been using over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide wash for 3 months without significant improvement. He has no history of scarring. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in treatment?

1. Topical retinoid plus topical antibiotic combination therapy
2. Oral prednisone taper
3. Oral isotretinoin
4. Intralesional triamcinolone injections

Create a free PulseMD account to answer these, see the explanations, and practice five minutes a day.

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