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 finding best supports acute otitis media on otoscopy?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Bulging erythematous tympanic membrane with reduced mobility

Acute otitis media produces middle-ear inflammation and effusion, making the tympanic membrane bulge and move poorly with pneumatic otoscopy.

Option by option

  • A. Bulging erythematous tympanic membrane with reduced mobility (correct)

    Correct: bulging and reduced mobility indicate middle-ear effusion.

  • B. Normal translucent membrane with light reflex

    A translucent mobile membrane is a normal finding.

  • C. Dry perforation with normal middle-ear pressure

    A dry perforation describes chronic membrane damage.

  • D. Pearl-white mass behind an intact membrane

    A pearly mass raises concern for cholesteatoma.

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 A, Bulging erythematous tympanic membrane with reduced mobility. Acute otitis media produces middle-ear inflammation and effusion, making the tympanic membrane bulge and move poorly with pneumatic otoscopy.

Why is "Normal translucent membrane with light reflex" not the answer?

A translucent mobile membrane is a normal finding.

Why is "Dry perforation with normal middle-ear pressure" not the answer?

A dry perforation describes chronic membrane damage.

Why is "Pearl-white mass behind an intact membrane" not the answer?

A pearly mass raises concern for cholesteatoma.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology in ENT. The correct option holds because: Correct: bulging and reduced mobility indicate middle-ear effusion.

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.