Pharynx and tonsils: videofluoroscopic swallow study: 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 · Pharynx and tonsils: videofluoroscopic swallow study

Sample item

A 70-year-old man has coughing with thin liquids after a stroke. Which investigation dynamically assesses the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing and detects silent aspiration?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Videofluoroscopic swallow study with barium-coated food

A modified barium swallow records the oral, pharyngeal and upper oesophageal phases in real time with different consistencies, and shows penetration or aspiration, including silent aspiration. Fibre-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing is a bedside alternative. Results guide diet modification and therapy.

Option by option

  • A. Videofluoroscopic swallow study with barium-coated food (correct)

    Correct. It shows the dynamics of swallowing and aspiration.

  • B. Pure tone audiometry

    Audiometry measures hearing.

  • C. Static barium meal only

    A static meal does not show the dynamic pharyngeal phase.

  • D. Plain neck radiograph

    A plain film shows no function.

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 A, Videofluoroscopic swallow study with barium-coated food. A modified barium swallow records the oral, pharyngeal and upper oesophageal phases in real time with different consistencies, and shows penetration or aspiration, including silent aspiration.

Why is "Pure tone audiometry" not the answer?

Audiometry measures hearing.

Why is "Static barium meal only" not the answer?

A static meal does not show the dynamic pharyngeal phase.

Why is "Plain neck radiograph" not the answer?

A plain film shows no function.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx and tonsils: videofluoroscopic swallow study in ENT. Fibre-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing is a bedside alternative. Results guide diet modification and therapy.

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 Pharynx and tonsils: videofluoroscopic swallow study?

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.