Chest imaging: lung ultrasound for pneumothorax: 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: lung ultrasound for pneumothorax

Sample item

In an emergency, a bedside lung ultrasound shows absent lung sliding, absent B-lines and a lung point on the right. What does this suggest?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Pneumothorax

Air between the pleural layers abolishes sliding and B-lines, and the lung point where sliding reappears marks the edge of the pneumothorax, a nearly pathognomonic sign. Pulmonary oedema shows multiple B-lines.

Option by option

  • A. Pneumonia with consolidation

    Consolidation shows a tissue-like pattern with air bronchograms.

  • B. Pulmonary oedema

    Pulmonary oedema shows many B-lines with preserved sliding.

  • C. Pneumothorax (correct)

    Correct. Absent sliding with a lung point is highly specific for pneumothorax.

  • D. A large pleural effusion

    An effusion shows an anechoic collection above the diaphragm.

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 Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, Pneumothorax. Air between the pleural layers abolishes sliding and B-lines, and the lung point where sliding reappears marks the edge of the pneumothorax, a nearly pathognomonic sign.

Why is "Pneumonia with consolidation" not the answer?

Consolidation shows a tissue-like pattern with air bronchograms.

Why is "Pulmonary oedema" not the answer?

Pulmonary oedema shows many B-lines with preserved sliding.

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

An effusion shows an anechoic collection above the diaphragm.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Chest imaging: lung ultrasound for pneumothorax in Radiology. Pulmonary oedema shows multiple B-lines.

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: lung ultrasound for pneumothorax?

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.