An aortic aneurysm that presses on the left recurrent laryngeal nerve could lead to
A) paralysis of the diaphragm.
B) hoarse speech.
C) complete loss of speech.
D) inability of the carotid sinus to monitor blood gases.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An aortic aneurysm that presses on the left recurrent laryngeal nerve can cause hoarse speech. This nerve supplies the muscles of the larynx that control vocal cords. If the nerve is compressed or damaged, it can lead to voice changes, such as hoarseness or weak voice. Paralysis of the diaphragm can occur due to damage to the phrenic nerve, which arises from the neck and passes down to the diaphragm. Inability of the carotid sinus to monitor blood gases can occur due to carotid sinus syndrome, which is characterized by fainting or near fainting when pressure is applied to the carotid sinus. However, carotid sinus syndrome is not related to aortic aneurysm. Complete loss of speech can occur due to damage to both the recurrent laryngeal nerves or due to damage to the brain regions that control language production.

An Aortic Aneurysm That Presses on the Left Recurrent Laryngeal