Where is the vagus nerve (CN X)?
Leaves the medulla oblongata, runs down the neck in the carotid sheath with the carotid artery and internal jugular vein, then passes through the chest into the abdomen.
What does the vagus nerve (CN X) do?
Slows the heart rate, narrows the airways, increases gut movement and secretions, and controls swallowing and the voice through its laryngeal branches.
Clinical relevance of the vagus nerve (CN X)
- Vagal stimulation (bearing down, suctioning, rectal stimulation) can cause bradycardia and fainting.
- Vagal maneuvers, such as bearing down, can convert stable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
- Injury to its recurrent laryngeal branch, for example during thyroid surgery, causes hoarseness; injury on both sides can obstruct the airway.
Nursing focus: the vagus nerve (CN X)
- Watch the heart rate during suctioning, bowel care and straining; stop and reassess if it drops.
- After a thyroidectomy, check the voice regularly and report hoarseness or stridor at once.