1. Triangles of the Neck and Larynx Flashcards
If there is a vein bulging in the lateral side of the neck consistent with the external jugular vein, what can you insinuate?
That there is increased venous pressure that could be due from…
heart failure
obstruction of the superior vena cava
What is the most common nerve that is cut in the posterior triangle?
Spinal accessory nerve
Describe torticollis
Contraction of the SCM that causes the head to tilt toward the contracted muscle and the face to point opposite the muscle
***example: right sided torticollis; the head leans toward the right and the nose points to the left
You are performing a central line placement in the right subclavian vein, right above the collar line. If you go too deep, what are the structures from superficial to deep that you could be in danger of puncturing?
The subclavian artery lies beneath the vein
The lungs expand 2 cm into the thorax and can be punctured
If the brachial plexus is pressed up against the clavicle, what could be the result?
Damage to the inferior trunk, which will affect the hand of that side
Define the thoracic outlet
superior thoracic aperture where arteries and nerve emerge
Describe thoracic outlet syndrome
Muscles in the neck can spasm and cause compression of the nerves and arteries that are leaving through the thoracic outlet
Why are patients who have spinal cord injuries below the neck are still able to breathe?
Because their phrenic nerves are not damaged; emerges in the neck and goes down to the diaphragm
Why do patients who have mumps experience pain in their face?
With mumps, there is swelling of the parotid gland. The investing fascia will not allow the parotid gland to swell, and it compresses against the facial nerve which causes pain
What is the retropharyngeal space? What are the boundaries?
A space that lies posterior to the pharynx, bound by the buccopharyngeal fascia anteriorly, and the carotid sheath laterally; extends to the base of the skull and goes into the thorax
Describe retropharyngeal abscesses
develops from excess lymphatic drainage or a spread of an upper respiratory or oral infections
Swelling can cause difficulty in swallowing and speaking, which can be life threatening
When performing a tracheostomy, what structures do you have to be cognizant of?
Go below the thyroid so that you get the trachea and you want to avoid the venous plexus or the thyroid ima artery so that you do not cause a hemmorhage
If a patient has paralysis in the circa-arytenoid muscle, what results?
The patient is not able to breathe because the rima glottidis is not able to open properly
When you swallow or talk, discuss the movement of the larynx, thyroid, and lymphatics
Larynx and thyroid move with phonation and breathing
Lymphatics do not move
