Post-Laparoscopic Shoulder Pain — FRCA Final MCQ

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EasyGeneral AnaesthesiaPost-Laparoscopic Shoulder PainFRCA Final

A 45-year-old man has severe right shoulder tip pain in recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Which nerve mediates this referred pain?

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Correct answer: C — Phrenic nerve

Right shoulder tip pain post-laparoscopy results from diaphragmatic irritation by residual CO2. The phrenic nerve (C3-C5) innervates the central diaphragm; C4 dermatome is shared with supraclavicular nerves supplying the shoulder tip. Classic referred pain.

Reference: Association of Anaesthetists – 2023 – Quick Reference Handbook