Larynx and airway: fenestrated tracheostomy tube: 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: fenestrated tracheostomy tube

Sample item

A tracheostomised patient who is being weaned wants to speak. Which tube allows air to pass through the larynx when the inner cannula is changed and the external opening is capped?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Fenestrated tracheostomy tube

A fenestrated tube has a hole in the posterior curve of the outer cannula. With the cuff deflated, a non-fenestrated inner cannula removed and the opening capped, air passes through the fenestra and larynx and allows speech. It is used during weaning, and granulation at the fenestration is a recognised problem.

Option by option

  • A. Laryngectomy tube

    A laryngectomy tube is used when the larynx has been removed.

  • B. Fenestrated tracheostomy tube (correct)

    Correct. The fenestra allows airflow to the larynx.

  • C. Cuffed non-fenestrated tube

    A non-fenestrated cuffed tube blocks airflow to the cords.

  • D. Montgomery button

    A Montgomery button is a stoma stent.

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.

More ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is B, Fenestrated tracheostomy tube. A fenestrated tube has a hole in the posterior curve of the outer cannula.

Why is "Laryngectomy tube" not the answer?

A laryngectomy tube is used when the larynx has been removed.

Why is "Cuffed non-fenestrated tube" not the answer?

A non-fenestrated cuffed tube blocks airflow to the cords.

Why is "Montgomery button" not the answer?

A Montgomery button is a stoma stent.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx and airway: fenestrated tracheostomy tube in ENT. With the cuff deflated, a non-fenestrated inner cannula removed and the opening capped, air passes through the fenestra and larynx and allows speech. It is used during weaning, and granulation at the fenestration is a recognised problem.

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: fenestrated tracheostomy tube?

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.