Sexually Transmitted Infections — Written Clinical Reasoning · Phys Written Answers

Prompt

DCE-style written reasoning for Sexually Transmitted Infections.

SAQ 1 — Integrated plan (12 marks)

Prompt: Provide a prioritised problem list and management sequence for this presentation. [1] [2]

Model Answer

1. Frame and red flags (3 marks) [1]

State the working diagnosis/syndrome, acuity, and what would force emergency treatment now. [1] [2]

2. Discriminating assessment (3 marks) [2]

List the key history, examination and investigations that separate dangerous differentials from benign mimics. [1] [2]

3. Treatment sequence (4 marks) [1] [3]

Immediate stabilisation, disease-specific therapy, monitoring, and complications prevention. [1] [2] [3]

4. Follow-up and communication (2 marks) [2]

Disposition, safety-net advice, and who owns follow-up. [1] [2]

SAQ 2 — Exam trap defence (8 marks)

Prompt: Name two high-yield traps in Sexually Transmitted Infections and how you avoid them. [1] [2]

Model Answer

Trap one: delayed escalation of a high-risk feature — avoid by explicit red-flag checklist. [1]

Trap two: therapy mismatched to mechanism — avoid by confirming the discriminating test before escalating treatment. [2] [3]

References

[1]Relyea Ashley HM, Stuart SK, Eaton EF Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and HIV: implications for risk, outcomes, and care for neurodivergent people Top Antivir Med, 2026.PMID 42467809
[2]Iriarte E, Erlandson KM Interventions and opportunities to enhance aging among people with HIV: a focus on frailty, sarcopenia, and intrinsic capacity Top Antivir Med, 2026.PMID 42467808
[3]Scarsi KK, Marzolini C, Marra F, Tseng AL Selected highlights from the 26th International Workshop on Clinical Pharmacology of HIV, Hepatitis, and Other Antiviral Drugs Top Antivir Med, 2026.PMID 42467807
[4]David M, Balint N, Fryszer L, Germerott T, et al. Recommendations for the Care and Support of Women Affected by Sexual Violence. Guideline of the DGGG (S1-Level, AWMF Registry No. 015/097, December 2025, Version 1.0) Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd, 2026.PMID 42459841
[5]Burchell AN, Grennan T, Fahim C, Gaid D, et al. Application of the Cascade of Care Framework to Guide Evidence-Informed Implementation of Anal Cancer Screening Guidelines Cancer Control, 2026.PMID 42432992
[6]Zimet GD, Kasting ML, Thompson EL, Head KJ Shared clinical decision-making for vaccination: A view through the lens of mid-adult HPV vaccination Hum Vaccin Immunother, 2026.PMID 42417053
[7]Xi Y, Yao T, Zhang C, Zhuang T Effectiveness of safety care and clinical nursing pathway in patients undergoing cardiovascular intervention: a randomized controlled trial Perioper Med (Lond), 2026.PMID 42469924
[8]Marks FJ, Walters SJ, Sutton L, Jacques RM What statistical methods are more appropriate for predicting recruitment at the design stage of a randomised controlled trial? Trials, 2026.PMID 42469922

SAQ 1 — Integrated plan (12 marks)

Prompt: Provide a prioritised problem list and management sequence for this presentation. [1] [2]

Model Answer

1. Frame and red flags (3 marks) [1]

State the working diagnosis/syndrome, acuity, and what would force emergency treatment now. [1] [2]

2. Discriminating assessment (3 marks) [2]

List the key history, examination and investigations that separate dangerous differentials from benign mimics. [1] [2]

3. Treatment sequence (4 marks) [1] [3]

Immediate stabilisation, disease-specific therapy, monitoring, and complications prevention. [1] [2] [3]

4. Follow-up and communication (2 marks) [2]

Disposition, safety-net advice, and who owns follow-up. [1] [2]

SAQ 2 — Exam trap defence (8 marks)

Prompt: Name two high-yield traps in Sexually Transmitted Infections and how you avoid them. [1] [2]

Model Answer

Trap one: delayed escalation of a high-risk feature — avoid by explicit red-flag checklist. [1]

Trap two: therapy mismatched to mechanism — avoid by confirming the discriminating test before escalating treatment. [2] [3]

References

[1]Relyea Ashley HM, Stuart SK, Eaton EF Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and HIV: implications for risk, outcomes, and care for neurodivergent people Top Antivir Med, 2026.PMID 42467809
[2]Iriarte E, Erlandson KM Interventions and opportunities to enhance aging among people with HIV: a focus on frailty, sarcopenia, and intrinsic capacity Top Antivir Med, 2026.PMID 42467808
[3]Scarsi KK, Marzolini C, Marra F, Tseng AL Selected highlights from the 26th International Workshop on Clinical Pharmacology of HIV, Hepatitis, and Other Antiviral Drugs Top Antivir Med, 2026.PMID 42467807
[4]David M, Balint N, Fryszer L, Germerott T, et al. Recommendations for the Care and Support of Women Affected by Sexual Violence. Guideline of the DGGG (S1-Level, AWMF Registry No. 015/097, December 2025, Version 1.0) Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd, 2026.PMID 42459841
[5]Burchell AN, Grennan T, Fahim C, Gaid D, et al. Application of the Cascade of Care Framework to Guide Evidence-Informed Implementation of Anal Cancer Screening Guidelines Cancer Control, 2026.PMID 42432992
[6]Zimet GD, Kasting ML, Thompson EL, Head KJ Shared clinical decision-making for vaccination: A view through the lens of mid-adult HPV vaccination Hum Vaccin Immunother, 2026.PMID 42417053
[7]Xi Y, Yao T, Zhang C, Zhuang T Effectiveness of safety care and clinical nursing pathway in patients undergoing cardiovascular intervention: a randomized controlled trial Perioper Med (Lond), 2026.PMID 42469924
[8]Marks FJ, Walters SJ, Sutton L, Jacques RM What statistical methods are more appropriate for predicting recruitment at the design stage of a randomised controlled trial? Trials, 2026.PMID 42469922