A 29-Year-Old Woman Undergoes Thyroidectomy for Graves' Disease with Ophthalmopathy

A 29-year-old woman undergoes thyroidectomy for Graves' disease with ophthalmopathy.  She was treated with antithyroid drugs and beta-blockers preoperatively.  Physical examination and laboratory results prior to surgery were unremarkable.  Her ophthalmopathy was characterized as moderate with no corneal involvement or visual loss.
The patient has no immediate surgical complications.  Twenty-four hours after extubation, she reports feeling anxious and is irritable.  She has paresthesias of her hands and around her lips.  Six hours later, shortly after a nursing shift change, she complains of trouble breathing and has a high-pitched inspiratory sound.  A quick inspection of her neck bandages reveals no hemorrhage.
What is the most likely cause of her dyspnea?

A) Acute lung injury
B) Bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury
C) Hypocalcemia
D) Tracheomalacia
E) Wound hematoma

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free