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Cirrhosis variceal screening — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardInternal Medicine (chronic management)Cirrhosis variceal screeningUSMLE Step 3

A 54-year-old man with cirrhosis from hepatitis C has completed antiviral therapy. Platelets are 92,000/mm3 and ultrasound shows nodular liver without ascites. He has never had gastrointestinal bleeding and has not had upper endoscopy. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Arrange screening upper endoscopy for varices

Patients with cirrhosis require screening for esophageal varices to guide primary prophylaxis.

Reference: AASLD cirrhosis and portal hypertension guidance: https://www.aasld.org/