Otology: 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 · Otology

Sample item

Which feature is most typical of uncomplicated acute otitis externa?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Pain worsened by tragal movement

Acute otitis externa inflames the external auditory canal, so moving the tragus or pinna commonly worsens pain; examination may show canal edema, debris, and tenderness.

Option by option

  • A. Painless central hearing loss

    Central hearing loss is not the usual presentation of otitis externa.

  • B. A fixed dilated pupil

    A fixed dilated pupil is an ocular neurological emergency.

  • C. Pain worsened by tragal movement (correct)

    Correct: tragal or pinna tenderness is characteristic of canal inflammation.

  • D. Vertigo only after standing

    Postural vertigo has a different vestibular differential.

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, Pain worsened by tragal movement. Acute otitis externa inflames the external auditory canal, so moving the tragus or pinna commonly worsens pain; examination may show canal edema, debris, and tenderness.

Why is "Painless central hearing loss" not the answer?

Central hearing loss is not the usual presentation of otitis externa.

Why is "A fixed dilated pupil" not the answer?

A fixed dilated pupil is an ocular neurological emergency.

Why is "Vertigo only after standing" not the answer?

Postural vertigo has a different vestibular differential.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology in ENT. The correct option holds because: Correct: tragal or pinna tenderness is characteristic of canal inflammation.

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 Otology?

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.