Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

A patient with a history of vocal fold surgeries presents with throat-clearing and inhalators stridor. What is this patient MOST LIKELY experiencing?

1. Vocal fold nodules

2. Laryngitis

3. Reinke's edema

4. Human papilloma virus

The correct answer is: Human papilloma virus

The patient exhibiting throat-clearing and inhalatory stridor, especially considering their history of vocal fold surgeries, is most likely experiencing an issue related to the presence of laryngeal lesions, such as those caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can lead to the development of warty growths or lesions on the vocal folds, which can result in obstructive symptoms and discomfort, manifesting as stridor and throat-clearing as the patient attempts to clear airway obstruction. When analyzing the other potential options, vocal fold nodules are typically associated with chronic phonotrauma rather than a history of surgery and would not generally cause inhalatory stridor. Laryngitis, while it can lead to altered voice quality and sometimes a sensation of throat clearing, would not usually present with stridor as a primary symptom unless there is significant edema or inflammation affecting airflow, which is less likely in this specific scenario of a patient with a surgical history. Reinke's edema, which involves swelling of the vocal folds due to fluid accumulation, could cause some voice disturbances, but it is less aligned with the acute symptoms of stridor and throat-clearing typically linked with obstructive lesions like those arising from HPV. In light of this context, the presentation