During an indirect laryngoscopy examination, a resident is unable to visualize certain structures. Which combination of anatomical structures would MOST likely be invisible during this procedure?

• Laryngeal surface of epiglottis and subglottic area

• Vocal cords and false vocal cords

• Arytenoid cartilages and pyriform sinus

• Vallecula and posterior pharyngeal wall

Answer explanation

The laryngeal surface of epiglottis and subglottic area are anatomical blind spots during indirect laryngoscopy due to their position and the limitations of the mirror angle.

Which of the following instruments is shown in the lower image of the slide?

•  Posterior rhinoscopy mirror

• Indirect laryngoscopy mirror

• Tongue depressor with mirror

• Direct laryngoscope blade

Answer explanation

The lower image shows a posterior rhinoscopy mirror, characterized by its smaller circular mirror head with an angled stem for nasopharyngeal examination.

A 28-year-old female presents with severe unilateral throat pain, trismus, and muffled voice. CT imaging shows a ring-enhancing lesion lateral to the tonsil with medial displacement of the parapharyngeal fat. Laboratory findings reveal leukocytosis. The most likely diagnosis is:

• Parapharyngeal abscess

  
  

• Peritonsillar abscess

• Retropharyngeal abscess

• Submental abscess

Answer explanation

Parapharyngeal abscess presents with characteristic CT findings of displaced parapharyngeal fat and ring-enhancing lesion lateral to tonsillar fossa.

A 52-year-old female presents with progressive unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and imbalance. MRI reveals an ice-cream cone shaped lesion in the internal acoustic meatus with extension into the cerebellopontine angle. The most appropriate management would be:

• Gamma knife radiosurgery

• High-dose corticosteroids

• Middle ear ossicular chain reconstruction

• Cochlear implantation

Answer explanation

Small to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas (<3cm) are ideally treated with gamma knife radiosurgery, offering tumor control with minimal morbidity.

During microscopic examination of a vestibular schwannoma, which histological finding would be considered pathognomonic for confirming the diagnosis?

• Alternating Antoni A and Antoni B areas with Verocay bodies

• Sheets of uniform round cells with salt-and-pepper chromatin

• Pseudopapillary arrangements with psammoma bodies

• Pleomorphic cells with nuclear atypia

Answer explanation

Vestibular schwannomas characteristically show alternating Antoni A (compact, palisading) and B (loose) areas with Verocay bodies formation.

A 4-year-old child presents with high fever, dysphagia, drooling, and sitting in tripod position. Lateral neck X-ray shows the "thumb sign." The most appropriate next step in management is:

•  Immediate airway stabilization in operating room

• Oral antibiotics and discharge

• Nebulized epinephrine and observation

• Chest physiotherapy and hydration

Answer explanation

Acute epiglottitis is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate airway management in controlled environment due to risk of sudden obstruction.

A 2-year-old presents at midnight with barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and mild respiratory distress that worsened after a mild URI. Chest X-ray shows characteristic "steeple sign." The initial management should be:

• Racemic epinephrine

• Immediate intubation

• Oral antibiotics alone

• Steam inhalation only

Answer explanation

Racemic epinephrine reduces subglottic edema rapidly, while severe cases  dexamethasone provides sustained anti-inflammatory effect in acute laryngotracheobronchitis.

A 45-year-old female undergoes total thyroidectomy and develops immediate post-operative stridor with breathy voice. Laryngoscopy shows bilateral vocal cord paralysis in the paramedian position. Which nerve injury pattern explains these findings?

• Bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury

  
  

• Unilateral superior laryngeal nerve injury

• Unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury

•  External branch of superior laryngeal nerve injury

Answer explanation

Bilateral RLN injury causes bilateral vocal cord paralysis with stridor and respiratory distress due to compromised airway.

A 35-year-old professional singer complains of difficulty reaching high notes following thyroid surgery. Physical examination reveals normal vocal cord mobility. Which nerve is most likely injured?

• External branch of superior laryngeal nerve

  
  

• Internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve

• Recurrent laryngeal nerve

• Vagus nerve main trunk

Answer explanation

External branch of SLN innervates cricothyroid muscle, responsible for vocal cord tension and high pitch production.

A patient with prolonged intubation requires tracheostomy. During the procedure, the surgeon must determine the optimal position for the stoma. Which statement is correct regarding the placement?

•  Between 2nd-3rd tracheal rings to avoid cricoid and major vessels

  
  

• At first tracheal ring for best airway access

  
  

• Below 4th ring for maximum stability

• Through the cricoid cartilage for better healing

Answer explanation

2nd-3rd ring placement provides optimal balance between avoiding cricoid damage superiorly and major vessels inferiorly.