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Osteoporosis screening — USMLE Step 2 CK MCQ

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EasyPreventive Medicine & BiostatisticsOsteoporosis screeningUSMLE Step 2 CK

A 36-year-old Middle Eastern man comes to the hospital because of a health maintenance visit. History and focused examination are notable for 67-year-old postmenopausal woman with no prior fracture. Temperature is 98.6°F (37.0°C), blood pressure is 126/78 mmHg, pulse is 84/min, respirations are 16/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Physical examination confirms the key finding and shows no unrelated abnormality that would better explain the presentation. The patient has no symptoms, no abnormal physical examination findings, and no previous result that would change routine evidence-based screening. Which of the following is the most appropriate screening test?

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Correct answer: C — Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry

The vignette describes Osteoporosis screening, supported by 67-year-old postmenopausal woman with no prior fracture. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is the single best answer because it matches the diagnostic or management priority in this clinical setting. The other choices are plausible alternatives in related presentations, but they do not best fit the timing, findings, and guideline-directed approach described here.

Reference: USPSTF 2025 Osteoporosis Screening Recommendation