Pharynx and tonsils: Muller 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: Muller manoeuvre

Sample item

During awake flexible nasopharyngoscopy in a snorer, the patient is asked to breathe in forcefully against a closed nose and mouth while the airway is watched. What is being assessed?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Dynamic collapse of the retropalatal and retrolingual airway

The Muller manoeuvre generates negative pharyngeal pressure by inspiring against a closed airway and shows the sites and degree of collapse at the palate and tongue base. It guides the choice of surgery in sleep-disordered breathing.

Option by option

  • A. Patency of the eustachian tube

    Tubal function is tested with manoeuvres such as Valsalva or Toynbee.

  • B. Dynamic collapse of the retropalatal and retrolingual airway (correct)

    Correct. Forced inspiration against closure reproduces the negative pressure that collapses the airway.

  • C. Closure of the velopharyngeal sphincter in speech

    Velopharyngeal closure in speech is assessed with sustained sounds such as 'ka' or nasendoscopy during speaking.

  • D. Mobility of the vocal folds in phonation

    Vocal fold mobility is assessed by phonation tasks such as saying 'ee'.

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, Dynamic collapse of the retropalatal and retrolingual airway. The Muller manoeuvre generates negative pharyngeal pressure by inspiring against a closed airway and shows the sites and degree of collapse at the palate and tongue base.

Why is "Patency of the eustachian tube" not the answer?

Tubal function is tested with manoeuvres such as Valsalva or Toynbee.

Why is "Closure of the velopharyngeal sphincter in speech" not the answer?

Velopharyngeal closure in speech is assessed with sustained sounds such as 'ka' or nasendoscopy during speaking.

Why is "Mobility of the vocal folds in phonation" not the answer?

Vocal fold mobility is assessed by phonation tasks such as saying 'ee'.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx and tonsils: Muller manoeuvre in ENT. It guides the choice of surgery in sleep-disordered breathing.

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: Muller 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.