Chest radiograph: lobar collapse: 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: lobar collapse

Sample item

A chest radiograph shows a triangular opacity in the right upper zone with elevation of the horizontal fissure and tracheal shift to the right. What is the best interpretation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Right upper lobe collapse

Lobar collapse causes volume loss, so fissures and mediastinal structures are pulled toward the affected side. Consolidation usually preserves volume.

Option by option

  • A. Tension pneumothorax

    Tension pneumothorax shifts the mediastinum away and is hyperlucent.

  • B. Right upper lobe collapse (correct)

    Correct. Fissure elevation and ipsilateral shift are volume-loss signs.

  • C. Large pleural effusion

    Pleural effusion pushes mediastinal structures away when large.

  • D. Right upper lobe consolidation

    Consolidation may opacify a lobe but typically lacks marked volume loss.

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 Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, Right upper lobe collapse. Lobar collapse causes volume loss, so fissures and mediastinal structures are pulled toward the affected side.

Why is "Tension pneumothorax" not the answer?

Tension pneumothorax shifts the mediastinum away and is hyperlucent.

Why is "Large pleural effusion" not the answer?

Pleural effusion pushes mediastinal structures away when large.

Why is "Right upper lobe consolidation" not the answer?

Consolidation may opacify a lobe but typically lacks marked volume loss.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Chest radiograph: lobar collapse in Radiology. Consolidation usually preserves volume.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: lobar collapse?

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.