Otology: 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 · Otology

Sample item

Which feature favors cholesteatoma over uncomplicated otitis media?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Foul chronic otorrhoea with retraction pocket

Cholesteatoma is keratinizing epithelium in the middle ear that may cause chronic foul discharge, retraction pockets, and destructive erosion.

Option by option

  • A. Itchy pinna after earrings

    Pinna itch suggests contact dermatitis.

  • B. Normal tympanic membrane mobility

    Normal mobility argues against middle-ear disease.

  • C. Brief ear pain during a cold

    Brief cold-related pain is nonspecific.

  • D. Foul chronic otorrhoea with retraction pocket (correct)

    Correct: chronic foul discharge and retraction pocket are concerning.

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 D, Foul chronic otorrhoea with retraction pocket. Cholesteatoma is keratinizing epithelium in the middle ear that may cause chronic foul discharge, retraction pockets, and destructive erosion.

Why is "Itchy pinna after earrings" not the answer?

Pinna itch suggests contact dermatitis.

Why is "Normal tympanic membrane mobility" not the answer?

Normal mobility argues against middle-ear disease.

Why is "Brief ear pain during a cold" not the answer?

Brief cold-related pain is nonspecific.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology in ENT. The correct option holds because: Correct: chronic foul discharge and retraction pocket are concerning.

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 Otology?

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.