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Major depressive disorder — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardPsychiatry (outpatient management)Major depressive disorderUSMLE Step 3

A patient with falciparum malaria has parasitemia 6% but normal blood pressure and mentation. What treatment is required?

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Correct answer: C — Hospitalize and begin IV artesunate for severe malaria

The best answer is “Hospitalize and begin IV artesunate for severe malaria”. Parasitemia at least 5% itself meets CDC severe-malaria criteria even without shock or coma. Parasite density of at least 5% meets CDC criteria for severe malaria and requires prompt parenteral treatment with IV artesunate even without shock, coma, or other organ dysfunction. The alternatives use a different threshold, timing, population, or intervention and therefore do not match the clinical facts presented.

Reference: CDC: Treatment of Severe Malaria: https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/hcp/clinical-guidance/treatment-of-severe-malaria.html