Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What is the next step if an inflammatory smear is obtained?

1. Immediate intervention

2. Repeat in 6 months

3. Refer to a specialist

4. Perform a biopsy

The correct answer is: Repeat in 6 months

The appropriate next step after obtaining an inflammatory smear typically involves monitoring and further assessment rather than immediate action or invasive procedures. The option to repeat the smear in 6 months allows for observing any changes in the inflammatory process and assessing whether it resolves on its own or persists, which can be indicative of an underlying condition. This strategy is particularly relevant when the findings are not definitively severe and may require time for further clinical correlation or evaluation. Implementing a wait-and-see approach helps determine the natural progression of the inflammatory findings. Depending on the patient's clinical context, additional history, and symptoms, this follow-up might be sufficient before deciding on more aggressive interventions or potential referrals. Other options like immediate intervention or referral to a specialist would typically be considered in more acute or severe situations, while performing a biopsy is usually reserved for cases where there's a need to definitively diagnose a condition that does not improve over time or has concerning features.