OVERVIEW
This page is dedicated to organizing various examples of standardized exam questions whose answer is trichomoniasis. While this may seem a odd practice, it is useful to see multiple examples of how trichomoniasis will be characterized on standardized exams (namely the boards and the shelf exams). This page is not meant to be used as a tradition question bank (as all of the answers will be the same), however seeing the classic “test” characterization for a disease is quite valuable.
QUESTION EXAMPLES
Question # 1
A 35 year old woman comes to the clinic with complaints of vaginal discharge and severe vulvar itching. She has been experiencing these symptoms for the past 4 days. The gynecological exam reveals a thin, frothy, and green vaginal discharge that is malodorous. The vulva is is erythematous. The vaginal pH is 5.5. What is the most likely cause of this patient’s condition?
Explanation: frothy, malodorous, green vaginal discharge + increased vaginal pH = trichomoniasis (although the wet mount will be important to analyze for a more definitive diagnosis)
Question # 2
A 32 year old woman comes to the clinic complaint of vaginal itching, painful intercourse, and vaginal discharge. She has a history of hypothyroidism and is currently taking thyroid replacement therapy. She admits to using tobacco and alcohol. On physical exam you notice think, grayish vaginal discharge and erythema/edema of the vulva and vaginal mucousa. Discharge from the vagina has a pH of 6.0, and a wet mount is performed. The mount reveals the present of pear shaped motile organisms. What is the most likely diagnosis in this patient?
Explanation: pear shaped motile organisms on wet mount = trichomoniasis
Question # 3
A 23 year old female comes to the clinic with complaints of vaginal discharge and itching. She has one male sexual partner, and they “sometimes” use condoms. Physical examination shows the presence of thin, malodorous vaginal discharge. There is also erethyma of the vulva and vaginal mucosa. The rest of the examination is unremarkable. Wet mount prep of the discharge shows motile, pear-shaped organisms. What is the likely diagnosis?
Explanation: pear shaped motile organisms on wet mount = trichomoniasis
Question # 4
A 25 year old woman comes the clinic because of a 3-day history of painful urination, vaginal itching and watery discharge. She has no past medical history, and does not take any medications. She has smoked cigarettes (1 pack a day) for 5 years. She is sexually active and does not use any form of contraception. Her temperature is 98.4°F. An abdominal exam shows no abnormalities.. A gynecological exam shows erythemal of the vulva and vagina. There is yellow-green frothy discharge that is malodorous. The cervix is unremarkable. The pH of the vaginal discharge is 5.3. What is a likely diagnosis in this patient?
Explanation: frothy, malodorous, green vaginal discharge + increased vaginal pH = trichomoniasis (although the wet mount will be important to analyze for a more definitive diagnosis)
Question # 5
A 15 year old girl is brought to the clinic by her mother because of a 11 day history of profuse, green, foul smelling vaginal discharge. Her last menstrual period was 3 weeks ago. She takes no medications and has no known drug allergies. She denies using cigarettes, alcohol, or use illicit drugs. Recently her mother has noticed some unexcused absences from school. Her temperature is 98.2°F. pulse is 80/min. and blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg. Breast and pubic hair development are Tanner stage 3. An abdominal exam is unremarkable. Pelvic examination shows erythema on the vaginal mucosa. and abundant, foul-smelling. frothy green discharge in the vaginal canal. There is no foreign body can be visualized. The external genitalia, uterus. and adnexa are unremarkable. What is a likely diagnosis in the patient?
Explanation: frothy, malodorous, green vaginal discharge + inflammation = trichomoniasis (although the wet mount will be important to analyze for a more definitive diagnosis)
Question # 6
A 35 year old woman complains of profuse vaginal discharge with mild odor. She has a new sexual partner with whom she has had unprotected intercourse. She reports vulvar irritation, pruritus and pain. She thought she had a yeast infection, has not seen any improvement with the usage of over the counter anti-fungal medications. She is concerned about the possibility of have an STD. Her medical history is significant for chronic steroid use. A pelvic exam shows unremarkable external genitalia, as well as an erythematous vagina with a copious, frothy yellow discharge. The vaginal pH is 6.5. What diagnosis might a wet prep confirm in this patient?
Explanation: frothy yellow vaginal discharge + inflammation + elevated vaginal pH = trichomoniasis (although the wet mount will be important to analyze for a more definitive diagnosis)
Question # 7
A 39 year old null gravid woman comes to the clinic with complaints of persistent yellow, frothy discharge. She has also noted mild external vulvar irritation. She denies noticing any odor. She has tried over the counter anti-fungal medications, but they have not improved her symptoms. The discharge has been present for over three months and has been gradually increasing in quantity. Douching has resulted in temporary relief, but the symptoms always recur. Pelvic examination reveals mild erythema at the vaginal introitus and a large amount of yellow frothy discharge fills the vaginal canal. The cervix has erythematous patches on the ectocervix. A sample of the discharge will be examined under the microscope. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Explanation: frothy yellow vaginal discharge + inflammation = trichomoniasis (although the wet mount will be important to analyze for a more definitive diagnosis)
Page Updated: 10.10.2016