Pharynx and tonsils: supraglottic swallow: 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: supraglottic swallow

Sample item

A patient with delayed glottic closure aspirates thin liquids before the swallow reflex fires. Which technique asks the patient to hold the breath, swallow, and then cough immediately after, so the folds are closed during the bolus passage?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Supraglottic swallow

The supraglottic swallow closes the vocal folds voluntarily before and during the swallow, and the cough afterwards clears residue from the laryngeal vestibule. It is used when glottic closure is delayed or incomplete.

Option by option

  • A. Shaker head-lift exercise

    The Shaker exercise is an isometric head lift that strengthens the suprahyoid muscles.

  • B. Supraglottic swallow (correct)

    Correct. Breath-hold, swallow, then cough protects the airway by closing the folds before the bolus passes.

  • C. Head rotation toward the weak side

    Head rotation toward the weak side directs the bolus to the stronger side of the pharynx.

  • D. Mendelson manoeuvre

    Mendelson manoeuvre prolongs laryngeal elevation to open the upper oesophageal sphincter.

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 B, Supraglottic swallow. The supraglottic swallow closes the vocal folds voluntarily before and during the swallow, and the cough afterwards clears residue from the laryngeal vestibule.

Why is "Shaker head-lift exercise" not the answer?

The Shaker exercise is an isometric head lift that strengthens the suprahyoid muscles.

Why is "Head rotation toward the weak side" not the answer?

Head rotation toward the weak side directs the bolus to the stronger side of the pharynx.

Why is "Mendelson manoeuvre" not the answer?

Mendelson manoeuvre prolongs laryngeal elevation to open the upper oesophageal sphincter.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx and tonsils: supraglottic swallow in ENT. It is used when glottic closure is delayed or incomplete.

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: supraglottic swallow?

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.