Chest radiograph: pneumothorax: practice question

A Radiology 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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Radiology · Chest radiograph: pneumothorax

Sample item

Which radiographic finding supports a pneumothorax?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. A visceral pleural line with no lung markings peripheral to it

In pneumothorax, air in the pleural space separates the visceral pleura from the chest wall; no vascular lung markings are seen beyond the pleural line.

Option by option

  • A. Blunting of both costophrenic angles

    Costophrenic blunting suggests pleural fluid.

  • B. A visceral pleural line with no lung markings peripheral to it (correct)

    Correct. This is the defining radiographic feature.

  • C. Diffuse bilateral Kerley B lines

    Kerley B lines suggest interstitial edema.

  • D. Air bronchograms in a lower lobe

    Air bronchograms occur in alveolar consolidation.

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 Radiology questions

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, A visceral pleural line with no lung markings peripheral to it. In pneumothorax, air in the pleural space separates the visceral pleura from the chest wall; no vascular lung markings are seen beyond the pleural line.

Why is "Blunting of both costophrenic angles" not the answer?

Costophrenic blunting suggests pleural fluid.

Why is "Diffuse bilateral Kerley B lines" not the answer?

Kerley B lines suggest interstitial edema.

Why is "Air bronchograms in a lower lobe" not the answer?

Air bronchograms occur in alveolar consolidation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Chest radiograph: pneumothorax in Radiology. The correct option holds because: Correct. This is the defining radiographic feature.

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 Chest radiograph: pneumothorax?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology 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.