Question

What happens to the tongue when pt is asleep or paralyzed

Option 1:
a) Protrusion

Option 2:
b) Retraction

Option 3:
c) Swelling

Option 4:
d) Flaccidity

Answer 1

When a patient is asleep or paralyzed, the tongue undergoes flaccidity, becoming soft and floppy. This can potentially obstruct the airway, but can be managed through endotracheal intubation. After surgery, patients may experience a sore throat.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient is asleep or paralyzed, the tongue experiences flaccidity, which means it becomes soft and floppy. Muscles responsible for tongue movement are affected by general anesthesia, causing the tongue to relax and potentially obstruct the airway. This can be managed through the use of endotracheal intubation, which allows doctors to maintain an open airway. Patients may experience a sore or scratchy throat after surgery.