Otology: acute otitis media: 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: acute otitis media

Sample item

A 3-year-old has fever, severe earache and a red, bulging tympanic membrane with loss of the light reflex. Which stage of acute otitis media is this, and what is the first-line treatment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Stage of suppuration, treated with analgesia and amoxicillin

In the stage of suppuration, pus under tension makes the drum red and bulging, causing severe pain and fever. Treatment is analgesia and an antibiotic such as amoxicillin. Myringotomy is considered if the drum is bulging and there is no response. Tubal occlusion is the first stage, with a retracted drum and no pus.

Option by option

  • A. Stage of tubal occlusion, with myringotomy always

    Tubal occlusion shows a retracted, dull drum without bulging.

  • B. Stage of resolution, with no treatment

    In resolution the drum returns to normal after perforation or treatment, and the pain subsides.

  • C. Stage of complication, treated by mastoidectomy

    Complications such as mastoiditis involve postauricular swelling.

  • D. Stage of suppuration, treated with analgesia and amoxicillin (correct)

    Correct. A red bulging drum with fever and pain is the stage of suppuration.

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 D, Stage of suppuration, treated with analgesia and amoxicillin. In the stage of suppuration, pus under tension makes the drum red and bulging, causing severe pain and fever.

Why is "Stage of tubal occlusion, with myringotomy always" not the answer?

Tubal occlusion shows a retracted, dull drum without bulging.

Why is "Stage of resolution, with no treatment" not the answer?

In resolution the drum returns to normal after perforation or treatment, and the pain subsides.

Why is "Stage of complication, treated by mastoidectomy" not the answer?

Complications such as mastoiditis involve postauricular swelling.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology: acute otitis media in ENT. Treatment is analgesia and an antibiotic such as amoxicillin. Myringotomy is considered if the drum is bulging and there is no response. Tubal occlusion is the first stage, with a retracted drum and no pus.

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: acute otitis media?

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.