Malaria in returning traveller — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Order urgent malaria thick and thin smears or rapid testing and treat promptly if positive
Order urgent malaria thick and thin smears or rapid testing and treat promptly if positive is the single best answer because the age, timing, examination findings and investigations in the vignette fit Malaria in returning traveller 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 CATMAT malaria guidance, with attention to acuity, safety-netting and local provincial pathways.
Reference: CATMAT malaria guidance