Head and Neck

Question 1

where is kiesselbach’s plexus?

most common origin of what?

Answer 1

nose in the “picking zone”

(it’s a confluence of arteries on the posterior superior nasal septum)

nose bleeds

Question 2

epistaxis

anterior vs posterior?
which is more severe?

Answer 2

anterior: unilateral
posterior: bilateral, sensation of blood in the back of the throat

posterior is more severe

Question 3

most common causes of otitis externa

Answer 3

Pseudomonas

Staph aureus

Question 4

most common causes of otitis media

Answer 4

Strep pneumoniae
nontypeable H influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis

Question 5

most common cause of ludwig’s angina

Answer 5

Bacteroides

Question 6

most common viral and bacteral causes of pharyngitis

Answer 6

viral: rhinoviruses, adenoviruses
bacterial: S. pyogenes (GAS)

**signs and symptoms are the same for viral and bacterial pharyngitis. one cannot differentiate without microbiology testing.

Question 7

most common cause of epiglottitis

Answer 7

H influenzae type B (Hib)

2nd MCC: strep

Question 8

thumbprint sign

what is it?
diagnosis?

Answer 8

demonstrates swollen epiglottis obliterating the vallecular

epiglottitis

Question 9

steeple sign

what is it?
diagnosis?

Answer 9

indicative of subglottic narrowing

croup

Question 10

physical appearance of patient with epiglottitis vs retropharyngeal abscess

Answer 10

epiglottitis: sit leaning forward with neck slightly flexed

retropharyngeal abscess: recumbency and hyperextension of the neck