Pharynx and tonsils: central sleep apnoea: 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 · Pharynx and tonsils: central sleep apnoea

Sample item

Overnight polysomnography records repeated pauses in airflow of more than 10 seconds during which chest and abdominal belts show no respiratory effort. What type of event is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Central apnoea

In central apnoea airflow stops because the brain does not drive respiration, so there is no thoracoabdominal effort. In obstructive apnoea effort continues against a closed airway, and mixed events begin central and end obstructive.

Option by option

  • A. Mixed apnoea

    Mixed events start without effort but end with effort against obstruction.

  • B. Obstructive apnoea

    Obstructive events show ongoing, often paradoxical, chest and abdominal effort.

  • C. Hypopnoea

    A hypopnoea is a partial reduction in flow, not a complete pause.

  • D. Central apnoea (correct)

    Correct. Absent effort with absent flow defines a central event.

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, Central apnoea. In central apnoea airflow stops because the brain does not drive respiration, so there is no thoracoabdominal effort.

Why is "Mixed apnoea" not the answer?

Mixed events start without effort but end with effort against obstruction.

Why is "Obstructive apnoea" not the answer?

Obstructive events show ongoing, often paradoxical, chest and abdominal effort.

Why is "Hypopnoea" not the answer?

A hypopnoea is a partial reduction in flow, not a complete pause.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx and tonsils: central sleep apnoea in ENT. In obstructive apnoea effort continues against a closed airway, and mixed events begin central and end obstructive.

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 Pharynx and tonsils: central sleep apnoea?

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.