skip to main content

Long-term anticoagulation after unprovoked VTE — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateInternal Medicine (chronic management)Long-term anticoagulation after unprovoked VTEUSMLE Step 3

A 49-year-old man returns 3 months after an unprovoked proximal deep venous thrombosis. He completed apixaban treatment without bleeding. He has no transient provoking factor, cancer, antiphospholipid syndrome, or high bleeding risk. Which of the following would you recommend at the follow-up visit?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Continue extended anticoagulation after shared decision-making

Unprovoked proximal VTE has substantial recurrence risk; extended anticoagulation is recommended when bleeding risk is not high and patient preference supports it.

Reference: CHEST Antithrombotic Therapy for VTE Disease Guideline