Gross Anatomy USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 46-year-old woman presents three days after tonsillectomy with severe throat pain and dysphagia. Vital signs: BP 128/82, HR 92, RR 16, Temp 37.2°C, SpO2 98%. Physical examination reveals absent gag reflex bilaterally and diminished taste sensation over the posterior one-third of the tongue. Laryngoscopy shows mild edema without abscess formation. She denies hoarseness or vocal cord dysfunction. Which nerve was most likely injured during surgery?
Answer choices
- AGlossopharyngeal nerveCorrect answer
- BVagus nerve
- CLingual nerve
- DHypoglossal nerve
- EAccessory nerve
- FFacial nerve
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