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Post-splenectomy prevention — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Post-splenectomy preventionUSMLE Step 3

A 33-year-old man returns after splenectomy for traumatic splenic rupture. He recovered well and has no fever. Discharge paperwork notes that vaccines were started in the hospital. He asks what else he should know. Which of the following would you recommend at the follow-up visit?

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Correct answer: A — Educate about urgent evaluation for fever and ensure encapsulated organism vaccination completion

Asplenic patients are at risk for overwhelming infection from encapsulated organisms and need vaccination completion plus education to seek urgent care for fever.

Reference: CDC Immunization Guidance for Altered Immunocompetence