Pharynx: hypoglossal nerve stimulation: 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: hypoglossal nerve stimulation

Sample item

A patient with obstructive sleep apnoea, a BMI of 28 and CPAP intolerance undergoes sleep endoscopy. Which finding contraindicates a hypoglossal nerve stimulator?

AAn apnoea-hypopnoea index in the moderate rangeBAnteroposterior collapse at the tongue baseCComplete concentric collapse at the level of the soft palateDA body mass index within the recommended range

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Complete concentric collapse at the level of the soft palate

Hypoglossal stimulation protrudes the tongue and works for tongue-base anteroposterior collapse. Complete concentric collapse at the velum is not helped, so it is a contraindication. Selection also needs a moderate to severe AHI and a BMI under about 32 to 35 kg per square metre.

Option by option

A. An apnoea-hypopnoea index in the moderate range
Moderate AHI is within the indications.
B. Anteroposterior collapse at the tongue base
Anteroposterior collapse is the favourable pattern.
C. Complete concentric collapse at the level of the soft palate (correct)
Correct. Concentric velum collapse does not respond to tongue protrusion.
D. A body mass index within the recommended range
A suitable BMI favours the procedure.

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 ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Complete concentric collapse at the level of the soft palate. Hypoglossal stimulation protrudes the tongue and works for tongue-base anteroposterior collapse.

Why is "An apnoea-hypopnoea index in the moderate range" not the answer?

Moderate AHI is within the indications.

Why is "Anteroposterior collapse at the tongue base" not the answer?

Anteroposterior collapse is the favourable pattern.

Why is "A body mass index within the recommended range" not the answer?

A suitable BMI favours the procedure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx: hypoglossal nerve stimulation in ENT. Complete concentric collapse at the velum is not helped, so it is a contraindication. Selection also needs a moderate to severe AHI and a BMI under about 32 to 35 kg per square metre.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: hypoglossal nerve stimulation?

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.