Chest imaging: opaque hemithorax: practice question

A Radiology 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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Radiology · Chest imaging: opaque hemithorax

Sample item

A chest radiograph shows a completely opaque right hemithorax. The trachea and mediastinum are shifted toward the opaque side. Which cause is most consistent?

AComplete lung collapse from a proximal bronchial obstructionBA massive pleural effusionCDense whole-lung bacterial pneumoniaDA large tension pneumothorax

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Complete lung collapse from a proximal bronchial obstruction

Loss of lung volume pulls the mediastinum toward the opaque side, as in total collapse from an obstructing proximal tumour or mucus plug. A massive effusion pushes the mediastinum away.

Option by option

A. Complete lung collapse from a proximal bronchial obstruction (correct)
Correct. Shift toward the opacity indicates volume loss.
B. A massive pleural effusion
A massive effusion pushes the mediastinum to the opposite side.
C. Dense whole-lung bacterial pneumonia
Pneumonia consolidates the lung but does not by itself pull the mediastinum toward the lesion.
D. A large tension pneumothorax
A tension pneumothorax gives a lucent hemithorax.

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.

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is A, Complete lung collapse from a proximal bronchial obstruction. Loss of lung volume pulls the mediastinum toward the opaque side, as in total collapse from an obstructing proximal tumour or mucus plug.

Why is "A massive pleural effusion" not the answer?

A massive effusion pushes the mediastinum to the opposite side.

Why is "Dense whole-lung bacterial pneumonia" not the answer?

Pneumonia consolidates the lung but does not by itself pull the mediastinum toward the lesion.

Why is "A large tension pneumothorax" not the answer?

A tension pneumothorax gives a lucent hemithorax.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Chest imaging: opaque hemithorax in Radiology. A massive effusion pushes the mediastinum away.

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 Chest imaging: opaque hemithorax?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology 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.