Paediatric imaging: epiglottitis: practice question

A Radiology 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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Radiology · Paediatric imaging: epiglottitis

Sample item

A febrile child with drooling and stridor has a lateral neck radiograph showing a swollen, thumb-shaped epiglottis. What should be done first?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Secure the airway with an experienced anaesthetist before any further investigation

The thumb sign indicates acute epiglottitis, a life-threatening airway emergency caused classically by Haemophilus influenzae type b. Manipulation or lying the child flat can precipitate complete obstruction. Intubation is followed by antibiotics.

Option by option

  • A. Secure the airway with an experienced anaesthetist before any further investigation (correct)

    Correct. Airway security takes priority over imaging.

  • B. Examine the throat with a tongue depressor

    Throat examination may cause laryngospasm and complete obstruction.

  • C. Send for CT neck immediately

    CT would delay airway control and place the child at risk.

  • D. Lay the child flat for further radiographs

    Lying flat may worsen the obstruction.

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 Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is A, Secure the airway with an experienced anaesthetist before any further investigation. The thumb sign indicates acute epiglottitis, a life-threatening airway emergency caused classically by Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Why is "Examine the throat with a tongue depressor" not the answer?

Throat examination may cause laryngospasm and complete obstruction.

Why is "Send for CT neck immediately" not the answer?

CT would delay airway control and place the child at risk.

Why is "Lay the child flat for further radiographs" not the answer?

Lying flat may worsen the obstruction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric imaging: epiglottitis in Radiology. Manipulation or lying the child flat can precipitate complete obstruction. Intubation is followed by antibiotics.

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 Paediatric imaging: epiglottitis?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology 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.