Large Multinodular Goiter in Surgery — 45yo Woman | General Surgery | SMLE Q#11680

SMLE Question #11680

Surgery General Surgery

Objective: OBJ-TRACH-EMERG-01

Last updated: February 2026
A 45-year-old woman had a total thyroidectomy for a large multinodular goiter. On postoperative day 2, she reports tingling and numbness around her mouth and in her hands and feet. On examination, tapping just anterior to the ear produces ipsilateral facial muscle twitching. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

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