Retinal vascular occlusion: 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.

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Ophthalmology · Retinal vascular occlusion

Sample item

Fundoscopy shows dilated tortuous veins, widespread retinal hemorrhages, and cotton-wool spots in a patient with painless monocular blur. What is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Central retinal vein occlusion

Central retinal vein occlusion causes venous congestion with widespread retinal hemorrhages, often described as a blood-and-thunder appearance. Vascular risk factors should be assessed.

Option by option

  • A. Optic neuritis

    Optic neuritis may have a normal or swollen disc but not this diffuse hemorrhagic retina.

  • B. Central retinal artery occlusion

    Artery occlusion causes retinal pallor and cherry-red macula.

  • C. Acute iritis

    Iritis affects the anterior chamber.

  • D. Central retinal vein occlusion (correct)

    Correct. Venous dilation and diffuse hemorrhage are characteristic.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is D, Central retinal vein occlusion. Central retinal vein occlusion causes venous congestion with widespread retinal hemorrhages, often described as a blood-and-thunder appearance.

Why is "Optic neuritis" not the answer?

Optic neuritis may have a normal or swollen disc but not this diffuse hemorrhagic retina.

Why is "Central retinal artery occlusion" not the answer?

Artery occlusion causes retinal pallor and cherry-red macula.

Why is "Acute iritis" not the answer?

Iritis affects the anterior chamber.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Retinal vascular occlusion in Ophthalmology. Vascular risk factors should be assessed.

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 Retinal vascular occlusion?

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.