Systemic disease: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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

Ophthalmology · Systemic disease

Sample item

Which retinal finding is most associated with malignant hypertension?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Optic disc swelling with cotton-wool spots

Severe hypertension can cause retinal haemorrhages, cotton-wool spots, hard exudates, and optic disc swelling, indicating target-organ damage.

Option by option

  • A. Drusen limited to the macula

    Drusen are associated with macular degeneration.

  • B. Cherry-red spot at the fovea

    Cherry-red spot suggests central retinal artery occlusion.

  • C. Optic disc swelling with cotton-wool spots (correct)

    Correct: disc swelling and ischaemic retinal lesions indicate severe disease.

  • D. Retinal tear with vitreous pigment

    Retinal tear has a different traumatic or degenerative mechanism.

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.

More Ophthalmology questions

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is C, Optic disc swelling with cotton-wool spots. Severe hypertension can cause retinal haemorrhages, cotton-wool spots, hard exudates, and optic disc swelling, indicating target-organ damage.

Why is "Drusen limited to the macula" not the answer?

Drusen are associated with macular degeneration.

Why is "Cherry-red spot at the fovea" not the answer?

Cherry-red spot suggests central retinal artery occlusion.

Why is "Retinal tear with vitreous pigment" not the answer?

Retinal tear has a different traumatic or degenerative mechanism.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Systemic disease in Ophthalmology. The correct option holds because: Correct: disc swelling and ischaemic retinal lesions indicate severe disease.

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 Systemic disease?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.