Pharynx and tonsils: chin tuck manoeuvre: 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: chin tuck manoeuvre

Sample item

An elderly man with oropharyngeal dysphagia aspirates thin liquids because of delayed triggering of the swallow. Which simple postural manoeuvre can reduce aspiration?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Chin tuck while swallowing

Flexing the head widens the vallecula and narrows the airway entrance, protecting the larynx while the swallow triggers late. Extending the head or lying flat promotes aspiration.

Option by option

  • A. Head extension backward

    Head extension opens the airway entrance and speeds liquid into it.

  • B. Lying flat

    Lying flat reduces control of the bolus.

  • C. Chin tuck while swallowing (correct)

    Correct. A chin tuck narrows the laryngeal inlet and helps protect the airway.

  • D. Rapid large gulps

    Rapid gulps overwhelm a delayed swallow reflex.

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 C, Chin tuck while swallowing. Flexing the head widens the vallecula and narrows the airway entrance, protecting the larynx while the swallow triggers late.

Why is "Head extension backward" not the answer?

Head extension opens the airway entrance and speeds liquid into it.

Why is "Lying flat" not the answer?

Lying flat reduces control of the bolus.

Why is "Rapid large gulps" not the answer?

Rapid gulps overwhelm a delayed swallow reflex.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx and tonsils: chin tuck manoeuvre in ENT. Extending the head or lying flat promotes aspiration.

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: chin tuck manoeuvre?

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.