Nose: refractory posterior epistaxis: 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 · Nose: refractory posterior epistaxis

Sample item

A patient with posterior epistaxis continues to bleed despite a posterior pack. Which is the most effective surgical step?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation

The sphenopalatine artery is the main supply of the posterior nasal cavity, and endoscopic ligation or cautery is the preferred step after failure of packing. Maxillary artery ligation or embolisation are alternatives.

Option by option

  • A. Ligation of the lingual artery

    The lingual artery does not supply the nasal cavity.

  • B. Ligation of the common carotid artery

    Common carotid ligation is not used.

  • C. Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation (correct)

    Correct. Sphenopalatine ligation controls most posterior bleeds.

  • D. Superficial temporal artery ligation

    The superficial temporal artery does not supply the nose.

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 C, Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation. The sphenopalatine artery is the main supply of the posterior nasal cavity, and endoscopic ligation or cautery is the preferred step after failure of packing.

Why is "Ligation of the lingual artery" not the answer?

The lingual artery does not supply the nasal cavity.

Why is "Ligation of the common carotid artery" not the answer?

Common carotid ligation is not used.

Why is "Superficial temporal artery ligation" not the answer?

The superficial temporal artery does not supply the nose.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nose: refractory posterior epistaxis in ENT. Maxillary artery ligation or embolisation are alternatives.

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 Nose: refractory posterior epistaxis?

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.