Larynx and airway: negative pressure pulmonary oedema: 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: negative pressure pulmonary oedema

Sample item

A fit young man develops pink frothy sputum and bilateral infiltrates minutes after relief of laryngospasm. Which mechanism best explains this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Strong inspiratory effort against a closed glottis

Forceful inspiration against an obstructed airway creates very negative intrathoracic pressure, which increases venous return and transcapillary filtration and leads to alveolar oedema. It is usually self-limited, with oxygen and, when needed, positive pressure.

Option by option

  • A. Strong inspiratory effort against a closed glottis (correct)

    Correct. Negative intrathoracic pressure drives fluid into the alveoli.

  • B. Acid aspiration from the stomach

    Aspiration of acid gives chemical pneumonitis with a different time course.

  • C. Left ventricular failure from myocardial ischaemia

    Cardiac ischaemia is unlikely in a healthy young person.

  • D. Fluid overload from intravenous infusion

    Fluid overload is not suggested by the context.

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 A, Strong inspiratory effort against a closed glottis. Forceful inspiration against an obstructed airway creates very negative intrathoracic pressure, which increases venous return and transcapillary filtration and leads to alveolar oedema.

Why is "Acid aspiration from the stomach" not the answer?

Aspiration of acid gives chemical pneumonitis with a different time course.

Why is "Left ventricular failure from myocardial ischaemia" not the answer?

Cardiac ischaemia is unlikely in a healthy young person.

Why is "Fluid overload from intravenous infusion" not the answer?

Fluid overload is not suggested by the context.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx and airway: negative pressure pulmonary oedema in ENT. It is usually self-limited, with oxygen and, when needed, positive pressure.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: negative pressure pulmonary oedema?

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.