A 23-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department Due to a Sensation

question 13

Multiple Choice

A 23-year-old man comes to the emergency department due to a sensation of food being stuck in his throat.  His symptoms started 2 hours ago after eating fish at a local seafood restaurant.  He has tried swallowing multiple times to clear the food with no relief.  The patient has no difficulty with breathing.  He does not appear to be in significant distress on physical examination.  Laryngoscopy reveals a fish bone lodged in the left piriform recess.  During retrieval of the fish bone, a nerve is injured deep to the mucosa overlying the recess.  Which of the following is most likely to be impaired in this patient?

• A)Cough reflex
• B)Gag reflex
• C)Mastication
• D)Salivation
• E)Taste sensation

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Definitions:

Interview

A structured or semi-structured conversation where questions are asked to obtain information, insights, or assessments from an individual or group.

Treatment Conferences

Meetings focused on the planning, review, and coordination of a client's treatment plan, often involving various healthcare providers or support staff.

Multidisciplinary Team

A group of professionals from diverse fields working collaboratively towards a common goal, particularly in health, education, or social services.

Interdisciplinary Team

A group of professionals from different fields working together toward a common goal, integrating various specialized knowledge bases.