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Recurrent laryngeal nerve — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModerateAnatomyRecurrent laryngeal nerveFRCA Primary

After thyroid surgery, a patient has hoarseness and a paramedian vocal cord. Which anatomical structure is described?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: CRecurrent laryngeal nerve

The recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies most intrinsic laryngeal muscles. Median nerve is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Ischial spine is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Ligamentum flavum is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Radial nerve is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. In Primary FRCA anatomy, the tested structure should explain the block, airway sign or regional complication in the stem.

Reference: Ellis, Feldman & Harrop Anatomy for Anaesthetists; Primary FRCA textbooks