Otology: auricular haematoma: 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: auricular haematoma

Sample item

A wrestler has a tense, purple swelling of the upper pinna after a blow, and the contours of the ear are lost. What is the correct management and what is the risk if it is left?

AReassurance, since it will resolve within daysBIce packs aloneCOral antibiotics aloneDPrompt drainage of the haematoma with a pressure dressing, to prevent cauliflower ear from cartilage necrosis and fibrosis

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Prompt drainage of the haematoma with a pressure dressing, to prevent cauliflower ear from cartilage necrosis and fibrosis

A subperichondrial haematoma separates the cartilage from its perichondrial blood supply. If it is left, the cartilage becomes ischaemic and is replaced by fibrous tissue, giving a permanent cauliflower deformity. Treatment is early aspiration or incision and drainage with a compressive dressing or bolsters to prevent reaccumulation, with antibiotics if needed.

Option by option

A. Reassurance, since it will resolve within days
Delay leads to permanent deformity.
B. Ice packs alone
Ice reduces swelling but does not evacuate the clot.
C. Oral antibiotics alone
Antibiotics do not remove the collection.
D. Prompt drainage of the haematoma with a pressure dressing, to prevent cauliflower ear from cartilage necrosis and fibrosis (correct)
Correct. Drainage and compression prevent cartilage necrosis and cauliflower ear.

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.

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Prompt drainage of the haematoma with a pressure dressing, to prevent cauliflower ear from cartilage necrosis and fibrosis. A subperichondrial haematoma separates the cartilage from its perichondrial blood supply.

Why is "Reassurance, since it will resolve within days" not the answer?

Delay leads to permanent deformity.

Why is "Ice packs alone" not the answer?

Ice reduces swelling but does not evacuate the clot.

Why is "Oral antibiotics alone" not the answer?

Antibiotics do not remove the collection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology: auricular haematoma in ENT. If it is left, the cartilage becomes ischaemic and is replaced by fibrous tissue, giving a permanent cauliflower deformity. Treatment is early aspiration or incision and drainage with a compressive dressing or bolsters to prevent reaccumulation, with antibiotics if needed.

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: auricular haematoma?

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.