While recovering at home from a total laryngectomy and neck dissection, a patient notices an increase in left shoulder weakness. This symptom is consistent with which condition?

Question

1. Normal recovery
2. Damage to the spinal accessory nerve
3. Side effect of neck radiation therapy
4. Medication complication

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: Left shoulder weakness in not a normal finding for a post-laryngectomy patient.
Rationale 2: Left shoulder drop may result from damage to the spinal accessory nerve. This finding should be reported to the physician.
Rationale 3: There is no mention of radiation treatments.
Rationale 4: Medications are not mentioned in the history.