Pharynx and tonsils: Mendelson manoeuvre: 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 · Pharynx and tonsils: Mendelson manoeuvre

Sample item

After a brainstem stroke a patient has food pooling in both pyriform fossae with poor opening of the upper oesophageal sphincter. Which swallowing technique, in which the patient holds the larynx elevated at mid-swallow, is aimed at this problem?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Mendelson manoeuvre

The Mendelson manoeuvre prolongs laryngeal elevation during the swallow, which keeps the cricopharyngeus open longer and improves bolus passage. Supraglottic swallow protects the airway, chin tuck narrows the airway entrance, and the Masako manoeuvre strengthens tongue base retraction.

Option by option

  • A. Masako manoeuvre

    The Masako manoeuvre holds the tongue forward to strengthen tongue base contact with the pharyngeal wall.

  • B. Chin-tuck posture

    Chin tuck widens the valleculae and narrows the laryngeal inlet, helping airway protection.

  • C. Supraglottic swallow

    Supraglottic swallow closes the vocal folds before and during the swallow to protect the airway.

  • D. Mendelson manoeuvre (correct)

    Correct. Voluntary sustained laryngeal elevation widens and prolongs upper oesophageal sphincter opening.

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 ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Mendelson manoeuvre. The Mendelson manoeuvre prolongs laryngeal elevation during the swallow, which keeps the cricopharyngeus open longer and improves bolus passage.

Why is "Masako manoeuvre" not the answer?

The Masako manoeuvre holds the tongue forward to strengthen tongue base contact with the pharyngeal wall.

Why is "Chin-tuck posture" not the answer?

Chin tuck widens the valleculae and narrows the laryngeal inlet, helping airway protection.

Why is "Supraglottic swallow" not the answer?

Supraglottic swallow closes the vocal folds before and during the swallow to protect the airway.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx and tonsils: Mendelson manoeuvre in ENT. Supraglottic swallow protects the airway, chin tuck narrows the airway entrance, and the Masako manoeuvre strengthens tongue base retraction.

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 Pharynx and tonsils: Mendelson manoeuvre?

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.