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Deep vein thrombosis — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyEdemaDeep vein thrombosisMCCQE Part 1

A 59-year-old woman with ovarian cancer has unilateral calf swelling and tenderness and a Wells score suggesting likely DVT. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Arrange compression ultrasound and start anticoagulation if imaging is delayed and bleeding risk is acceptable

Arrange compression ultrasound and start anticoagulation if imaging is delayed and bleeding risk is acceptable is the single best answer because the age, timing, examination findings and investigations in the vignette fit Deep vein thrombosis better than the alternatives. The most tempting distractor is less appropriate because it either treats a neighbouring presentation, delays a time-critical intervention, or ignores a key discriminator in the stem. The remaining options are suboptimal because they would miss the diagnosis, use an investigation or treatment in the wrong sequence, or fail to address safety and follow-up. Canadian practice should be anchored to Thrombosis Canada VTE guidance, with attention to acuity, safety-netting and local provincial pathways.

Reference: Thrombosis Canada VTE guidance