During a thyroidectomy, if both recurrent laryngeal nerves are injured, what would you expect?

In the scenario where both recurrent laryngeal nerves are injured during a thyroidectomy, the expected outcome is severe airway obstruction. The recurrent laryngeal nerves are critical for the function of the vocal cords, which help to maintain an open airway. When these nerves are damaged, it can lead to impairment or paralysis of the vocal cords, which may cause them to become immobile and stay closed. This immobility can obstruct the airway, making it difficult for the patient to breathe properly.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the consequences of such an injury. Increased heart rate is typically not a direct result of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Improved ventilation would not occur because airway obstruction makes breathing more difficult, and vocal improvement would not be expected given that the injury would impair vocal cord function and reduce the ability to speak normally.