Larynx and airway: paradoxical vocal fold motion: 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: paradoxical vocal fold motion

Sample item

A 19-year-old athlete has episodes of inspiratory stridor and breathlessness during exercise not relieved by bronchodilators. Laryngoscopy during an episode shows adduction of the vocal folds on inspiration. What is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Paradoxical vocal fold motion (vocal cord dysfunction)

Paradoxical vocal fold motion involves inappropriate closure of the cords on inspiration, causing stridor that mimics asthma. It is diagnosed by laryngoscopy during symptoms. Management is speech therapy and breathing retraining.

Option by option

  • A. Laryngomalacia

    Laryngomalacia presents in infants.

  • B. Exercise-induced bronchospasm

    Bronchospasm causes expiratory wheeze and responds to bronchodilators.

  • C. Paradoxical vocal fold motion (vocal cord dysfunction) (correct)

    Correct. Inspiratory cord adduction is diagnostic.

  • D. Bilateral abductor paralysis

    Paralysis shows fixed cords at rest.

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, Paradoxical vocal fold motion (vocal cord dysfunction). Paradoxical vocal fold motion involves inappropriate closure of the cords on inspiration, causing stridor that mimics asthma.

Why is "Laryngomalacia" not the answer?

Laryngomalacia presents in infants.

Why is "Exercise-induced bronchospasm" not the answer?

Bronchospasm causes expiratory wheeze and responds to bronchodilators.

Why is "Bilateral abductor paralysis" not the answer?

Paralysis shows fixed cords at rest.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx and airway: paradoxical vocal fold motion in ENT. It is diagnosed by laryngoscopy during symptoms. Management is speech therapy and breathing retraining.

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 Larynx and airway: paradoxical vocal fold motion?

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.