HomeUSMLE Step 3 Medical PrepQuestion 9 of 10
USMLE Step 3 Medical PrepQuestion 9 / 10

An 8-month-old girl is brought to the office for evaluation of inadequate weight gain. Her mother reports the infant is breastfed on demand but seems uninterested in feeding and often falls asleep after a few minutes. The family recently moved and the mother admits to feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Birth weight was 3.2 kg (50th percentile). Current weight is 6.0 kg (below 5th percentile for age). Physical examination shows a thin infant with decreased subcutaneous fat but no edema, organomegaly, or dysmorphic features. She is alert but does not smile readily. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial evaluation approach? Evaluation Component Specific Elements Priority History Feeding schedule, intake volume, formula preparation, caregiver stress, food insecurity High Physical Exam Signs of chronic disease (cardiac murmur, hepatomegaly), skin changes, developmental assessment High Initial Labs CBC, comprehensive metabolic panel, urinalysis, thyroid function Medium Specialized Testing Sweat chloride, celiac panel, imaging studies Low (if above unrevealing)

Practise this USMLE Step 3 Medical Prep question free, then download the PDF, watch the video walkthrough, or unlock timed mock exams for the full web bank.
Multiple choice — select the best answer
✓ Correct answer: E. Comprehensive feeding history and psychosocial assessment before laboratory testing Most failure to thrive cases result from inadequate caloric intake due to psychosocial factors (food insecurity, caregiver depression, feeding problems) rather than organic disease. Initial evaluation should focus on detailed feeding history, observation of feeding, and assessment of psychosocial stressors before extensive laboratory workup. The mother's report of feeling overwhelmed and the infant's disinterest in feeding suggest psychosocial contributors. Distractor1 is premature without history. Distractor2 represents overly aggressive testing. Distractor3 misses psychosocial factors. Distractor4 delays necessary nutritional intervention.

Keep practising. Use the free USMLE Step 3 Medical Prep PDF, watch the YouTube walkthrough, or unlock all 10 web questions with timed mock exams.

Keep practising

Related questions

Free practice here. Timed mocks when you are ready.

Study the USMLE Step 3 Medical Prep free question explanations, download the PDF, then unlock timed mock exams on the web when you want exam-day practice.