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ENT · Nose: septal abscess
Sample itemA septal abscess is dangerous because it can lead to which outcome?
Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.
The answer and the reasoning
D. Cartilage necrosis with saddle nose and cavernous sinus thrombosis
Pus destroys septal cartilage, producing a saddle deformity, and infection can spread through the venous system of the nose and face to the cavernous sinus. Management is drainage and intravenous antibiotics.
Option by option
A. Chronic sinusitis only
Sinusitis is not the main danger.
B. Anosmia only
Anosmia is not the principal risk.
C. Epistaxis from the bony septum
Bony septum bleeding is not the typical consequence.
D. Cartilage necrosis with saddle nose and cavernous sinus thrombosis (correct)
Correct. Both saddle nose and intracranial spread can follow.
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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