American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which of these would be a red flag in a patient with cervicitis?

1. History of multiple sexual partners

2. Use of hormonal contraceptives

3. Regular cervical screening

4. Being asymptomatic

The correct answer is: History of multiple sexual partners

A history of multiple sexual partners is considered a red flag in a patient with cervicitis because it significantly increases the risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are common causes of cervicitis. When a patient reports having multiple sexual partners, it raises concerns that they may have been exposed to pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, both of which can lead to cervical inflammation and potential complications if left untreated. In contrast, the other options do not typically represent a similar level of concern. The use of hormonal contraceptives does not directly lead to cervicitis and can actually be protective against certain conditions. Regular cervical screening is generally a sign of proactive healthcare and reduces the risk of cervical cancer rather than indicating an immediate risk for cervicitis. Likewise, being asymptomatic does not inherently suggest a problem; many patients with cervicitis may be asymptomatic, yet a history of multiple partners distinctly points to a higher likelihood of infection.