Combination Therapy: ABFM practice questions

5 board-style questions on combination therapy 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 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

Sample question 2

A 52-year-old woman who smokes 15 cigarettes per day wants to quit. She tried varenicline 2 years ago but discontinued it after 1 week due to severe nausea and vivid nightmares. She has well-controlled major depressive disorder on sertraline with no history of seizures or eating disorders. Which of the following is the most appropriate alternative smoking cessation regimen?

  1. Electronic cigarettes as a physician-recommended cessation tool
  2. Retry varenicline at a lower dose with food
  3. Bupropion SR combined with a benzodiazepine for anxiety
  4. Combination nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine patch plus nicotine lozenge)

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

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