Question

when evaluating for nerve injury after a thyroidectomy, which action would the client be asked to do?

Answer 1

When evaluating for nerve injury after a thyroidectomy, the client may be asked to flex and extend the neck, shrug the shoulders against resistance, or perform lateral flexion of the neck toward the shoulder to assess the function of the accessory nerve.

Step-by-step explanation:

When evaluating for nerve injury after a thyroidectomy, the client may be asked to perform various actions as part of the assessment. In particular, the client may be asked to flex and extend the neck, shrug the shoulders against resistance, or perform lateral flexion of the neck toward the shoulder. These actions help assess the strength and function of the muscles controlled by the accessory nerve, which is involved in movement of the head and neck. Any difference in strength or movement between the two sides could indicate damage to the nerve on the weaker side.

Answer 2

To evaluate for nerve injury after a thyroidectomy, a client may be asked to flex and extend the neck or shrug the shoulders against resistance, assessing the function of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles controlled by the accessory nerve.

Step-by-step explanation:

When evaluating for nerve injury after a thyroidectomy, the client may be asked to perform actions that test the function of nerves at risk during the procedure. Specifically, the accessory nerve, which is responsible for movement of the head and neck using the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, may be assessed to ensure it has not been damaged. The client would be asked to flex and extend the neck or shrug the shoulders against resistance, thereby testing the strength of these muscles. If there is any difference in strength on one side versus the other, it would suggest possible damage to the accessory nerve on the weaker side.