Paediatric ENT: Pierre Robin sequence: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Paediatric ENT: Pierre Robin sequence

Sample item

A newborn has a small receding mandible, a U-shaped cleft palate and noisy breathing that worsens when supine, and improves when prone. What is the primary cause of the airway obstruction?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Glossoptosis, with the tongue falling back into the pharynx

In Pierre Robin sequence, micrognathia pushes the tongue posteriorly so that it obstructs the oropharynx. Prone positioning relieves the obstruction. Severe cases need a nasopharyngeal airway, tongue-lip adhesion or mandibular distraction.

Option by option

  • A. Laryngomalacia

    Laryngomalacia is a supraglottic collapse.

  • B. Choanal atresia

    Choanal atresia gives cyanosis relieved by crying.

  • C. Glossoptosis, with the tongue falling back into the pharynx (correct)

    Correct. The tongue falls backwards due to a small jaw.

  • D. Subglottic stenosis

    Subglottic stenosis is not related to micrognathia.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Glossoptosis, with the tongue falling back into the pharynx. In Pierre Robin sequence, micrognathia pushes the tongue posteriorly so that it obstructs the oropharynx.

Why is "Laryngomalacia" not the answer?

Laryngomalacia is a supraglottic collapse.

Why is "Choanal atresia" not the answer?

Choanal atresia gives cyanosis relieved by crying.

Why is "Subglottic stenosis" not the answer?

Subglottic stenosis is not related to micrognathia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric ENT: Pierre Robin sequence in ENT. Prone positioning relieves the obstruction. Severe cases need a nasopharyngeal airway, tongue-lip adhesion or mandibular distraction.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Paediatric ENT: Pierre Robin sequence?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.