Inflammation and repair: diphtheria pseudomembrane: practice question

A Pathology 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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Pathology · Inflammation and repair: diphtheria pseudomembrane

Sample item

A child with sore throat has a grey, adherent membrane over the tonsils that bleeds when peeled. What is the membrane composed of?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Fibrin, dead epithelial cells and neutrophils

Diphtheria toxin kills epithelium and provokes a fibrinopurulent exudate that coagulates into a tough grey pseudomembrane of fibrin, necrotic cells, neutrophils and organisms. Its adherence and bleeding when removed are characteristic.

Option by option

  • A. Fibrin, dead epithelial cells and neutrophils (correct)

    Correct. The pseudomembrane is made of fibrin, dead epithelium and neutrophils.

  • B. Epithelioid cell granulomas

    Epithelioid granulomas indicate granulomatous disease.

  • C. Caseous necrotic debris with giant cells

    Caseous debris with giant cells is typical of tuberculosis.

  • D. Pure serous fluid and mucus

    Serous fluid and mucus describe catarrhal inflammation.

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 Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is A, Fibrin, dead epithelial cells and neutrophils. Diphtheria toxin kills epithelium and provokes a fibrinopurulent exudate that coagulates into a tough grey pseudomembrane of fibrin, necrotic cells, neutrophils and organisms.

Why is "Epithelioid cell granulomas" not the answer?

Epithelioid granulomas indicate granulomatous disease.

Why is "Caseous necrotic debris with giant cells" not the answer?

Caseous debris with giant cells is typical of tuberculosis.

Why is "Pure serous fluid and mucus" not the answer?

Serous fluid and mucus describe catarrhal inflammation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Inflammation and repair: diphtheria pseudomembrane in Pathology. Its adherence and bleeding when removed are characteristic.

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 Inflammation and repair: diphtheria pseudomembrane?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology 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.