Nose: septoplasty principle: 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.

Try it

ENT · Nose: septoplasty principle

Sample item

During septoplasty, why is a minimum strip of cartilage left along the dorsum and caudal edge?

ATo prevent collapse and saddle deformity of the noseBTo prevent septal haematomaCTo retain smellDTo preserve the turbinates

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. To prevent collapse and saddle deformity of the nose

A dorsal and caudal L-strut of at least about 10 mm supports the nasal tip and dorsum. Removing it results in a saddle nose or tip drop. Preserving smell and turbinates depends on different surgical principles.

Option by option

A. To prevent collapse and saddle deformity of the nose (correct)
Correct. The L-strut maintains nasal support.
B. To prevent septal haematoma
Haematoma prevention is by packing or suturing.
C. To retain smell
Smell depends on the olfactory cleft, not this strut.
D. To preserve the turbinates
Turbinates are separate structures.

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.

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is A, To prevent collapse and saddle deformity of the nose. A dorsal and caudal L-strut of at least about 10 mm supports the nasal tip and dorsum.

Why is "To prevent septal haematoma" not the answer?

Haematoma prevention is by packing or suturing.

Why is "To retain smell" not the answer?

Smell depends on the olfactory cleft, not this strut.

Why is "To preserve the turbinates" not the answer?

Turbinates are separate structures.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nose: septoplasty principle in ENT. Removing it results in a saddle nose or tip drop. Preserving smell and turbinates depends on different surgical principles.

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: septoplasty principle?

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.