American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is crucial for the diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease?

1. Pelvic ultrasound

2. Physical examination findings

3. Complete blood count

4. Urine analysis

The correct answer is: Physical examination findings

The diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) significantly relies on physical examination findings. During the examination, healthcare providers look for specific signs that suggest the presence of PID, such as tenderness in the lower abdomen and adnexal areas, cervical motion tenderness, and other relevant symptoms consistent with the infection (e.g., fever, abnormal vaginal discharge). In contrast, while pelvic ultrasound can be useful to evaluate complications or other conditions, it is not the primary diagnostic tool for PID itself. A complete blood count may show signs of infection, such as elevated white blood cell counts, but it does not provide direct evidence confirming PID. Urinalysis is valuable for assessing urinary tract infections or other renal issues but does not contribute significantly to diagnosing PID. Thus, the physical examination is critical in establishing the clinical diagnosis of PID, making it the most crucial factor in this context.