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.

Try it

ENT · Otology

Sample item

What otoscopic finding most supports acute otitis media?

AA retracted membrane with an air-fluid level but no acute bulgeBCanal edema with debris and pain on tragal movementCA translucent drum that moves normally with pneumatic otoscopyDBulging erythematous tympanic membrane

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Bulging erythematous tympanic membrane

Acute otitis media produces middle-ear inflammation and pressure, often causing a bulging opaque erythematous tympanic membrane with reduced mobility and associated ear pain or fever.

Option by option

A. A retracted membrane with an air-fluid level but no acute bulge
A retracted membrane with an air-fluid level fits middle-ear effusion more than acute suppurative otitis media.
B. Canal edema with debris and pain on tragal movement
Canal edema and tragal tenderness indicate otitis externa rather than middle-ear infection.
C. A translucent drum that moves normally with pneumatic otoscopy
A translucent drum with normal pneumatic mobility argues against middle-ear fluid or acute suppurative infection.
D. Bulging erythematous tympanic membrane (correct)
Correct: a bulging inflamed membrane supports middle-ear infection.

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 D, Bulging erythematous tympanic membrane. Acute otitis media produces middle-ear inflammation and pressure, often causing a bulging opaque erythematous tympanic membrane with reduced mobility and associated ear pain or fever.

Why is "A retracted membrane with an air-fluid level but no acute bulge" not the answer?

A retracted membrane with an air-fluid level fits middle-ear effusion more than acute suppurative otitis media.

Why is "Canal edema with debris and pain on tragal movement" not the answer?

Canal edema and tragal tenderness indicate otitis externa rather than middle-ear infection.

Why is "A translucent drum that moves normally with pneumatic otoscopy" not the answer?

A translucent drum with normal pneumatic mobility argues against middle-ear fluid or acute suppurative infection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology in ENT. The correct option holds because: Correct: a bulging inflamed membrane supports middle-ear infection.

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.