Larynx and airway: flow-volume loop in tracheal stenosis: 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 · Larynx and airway: flow-volume loop in tracheal stenosis

Sample item

An adult with a post-intubation tracheal stenosis has exertional stridor. A flow-volume loop is performed. Which pattern is expected?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Flattening of both inspiratory and expiratory limbs

A fixed upper airway obstruction, such as a rigid tracheal stenosis, limits flow in both inspiration and expiration and flattens both limbs. A variable extrathoracic obstruction flattens inspiration only and a variable intrathoracic one flattens expiration.

Option by option

  • A. Flattening of the expiratory limb only

    Expiratory flattening alone is the pattern of variable intrathoracic obstruction.

  • B. Flattening of both inspiratory and expiratory limbs (correct)

    Correct. A fixed lesion limits flow in both phases of respiration.

  • C. Flattening of the inspiratory limb only

    Inspiratory flattening alone is the pattern of variable extrathoracic obstruction.

  • D. A normal loop with reduced volume

    A normal-shaped loop would not explain stridor.

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 ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is B, Flattening of both inspiratory and expiratory limbs. A fixed upper airway obstruction, such as a rigid tracheal stenosis, limits flow in both inspiration and expiration and flattens both limbs.

Why is "Flattening of the expiratory limb only" not the answer?

Expiratory flattening alone is the pattern of variable intrathoracic obstruction.

Why is "Flattening of the inspiratory limb only" not the answer?

Inspiratory flattening alone is the pattern of variable extrathoracic obstruction.

Why is "A normal loop with reduced volume" not the answer?

A normal-shaped loop would not explain stridor.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx and airway: flow-volume loop in tracheal stenosis in ENT. A variable extrathoracic obstruction flattens inspiration only and a variable intrathoracic one flattens expiration.

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 Larynx and airway: flow-volume loop in tracheal stenosis?

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.