A congenital disorder in which the back of the nose is closed is called:

RIMS Nursing Officer - 2022

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: RIMS Nursing Officer - 2022

Explanation

Choanal atresia is the specific medical term for a congenital blockage of the posterior nasal apertures (choanae), which are the openings between the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx.
This diagnosis directly matches the description in the question stem ('back of the nose is closed') and is visually confirmed by the provided medical illustration.
Newborns are obligate nose breathers, so this condition, especially when bilateral, presents as a respiratory emergency at birth.
The blockage can be bony (90% of cases) or membranous (10%).

Option A: This is a non-specific descriptive term. While choanal atresia can be bilateral, 'Bilateral Atresia' is not the formal name of the diagnosis.
Option C: Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that typically develop later in life due to chronic inflammation. They are not a congenital closure of the nasal passage.
Option D: A deviated nasal septum is a displacement of the wall that divides the two nostrils. It can cause difficulty breathing through one side of the nose but does not cause a complete blockage at the back of the nose (choanae).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Congenital nasal obstruction as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the signs of choanal atresia is a critical nursing skill in the neonatal unit. The classic sign of cyclical cyanosis (turning blue, then pink after crying) is a major red flag for bilateral atresia.
The immediate nursing priority is airway management. An infant with bilateral atresia cannot breathe and feed at the same time, posing a risk for aspiration and respiratory arrest.
What if? If the atresia were unilateral, the infant might be asymptomatic at birth and only present later in childhood with persistent, one-sided nasal discharge and stuffiness, often mistaken for a chronic cold.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the image provided. The image is a diagram clearly labeling the condition as 'Choanal atresia,' which provides a strong clue.
Next, read the question stem carefully: 'A congenital disorder in which the back of the nose is closed'. This asks for the specific name of the condition.
Evaluate the options based on the definition. 'Choanal Atresia' specifically refers to the atresia (closure) of the choanae (back of the nose).
Eliminate the other options. 'Bilateral Atresia' is too general. 'Nasal Polyps' are acquired growths. 'Deviated Nasal Septum' is a different anatomical problem.
Confirm the answer by integrating the visual information with the definition, leading to the most precise choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Congenital nasal obstruction
Stem keywords: congenital disorder, back of the nose, closed
Lead-in keywords: is called
Clinical cues: The image shows a blockage at the posterior nasal aperture, which is the defining feature of choanal atresia.

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 330-332