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USMLE · Question #406
USMLE Question #406: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation
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Question
In a normal individual, a tube with a transducer at its tip is swallowed and passed an unknown distance down the esophagus. Between swallows it records a pressure of 25 mm Hg. A small amount of water is swallowed. Within 2 seconds, the pressure falls to 5 mmHg, where it remains until returning to its resting pressure 6 seconds later. In a patient with achalasia, the transducer is advanced to the same location. Between swallows, it records a pressure of 30 mmHg. After swallowing, the pressure fails to decrease at all. In which of the following sites is the transducer most likely located?
Options
- AEsophageal body distal to the diaphragm
- BEsophageal body proximal to the diaphragm
- CLower esophageal sphincter
- DPharynx
- EUpper esophageal sphincter
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