A nurse is assessing a client's cranial nerves as part of a neurological examination. Which action should the nurse take to assess cranial nerve II?
Assess visual acuity
Elicit gag reflex
Checking for pupillary response to light
Observing for facial symmetry
The Correct Answer is A
A. Assessing visual acuity directly tests cranial nerve II (the optic nerve), which is responsible for vision.
B. Eliciting the gag reflex tests cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus), not cranial nerve II.
C. Checking for pupillary response to light primarily assesses the function of cranial nerve II but is more associated with cranial nerve III (oculomotor) since it involves the constriction of the pupil. While relevant, it is not the best standalone action for assessing cranial nerve II specifically.
D. Observing for facial symmetry is associated with cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), not cranial nerve II.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Assessing visual acuity directly tests cranial nerve II (the optic nerve), which is responsible for vision.
B. Eliciting the gag reflex tests cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus), not cranial nerve II.
C. Checking for pupillary response to light primarily assesses the function of cranial nerve II but is more associated with cranial nerve III (oculomotor) since it involves the constriction of the pupil. While relevant, it is not the best standalone action for assessing cranial nerve II specifically.
D. Observing for facial symmetry is associated with cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), not cranial nerve II.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Assessing the pedal pulses does not provide relevant information about the irregularity of the radial pulse.
B. Assessing the apical pulse for a full minute is appropriate in this situation, as it provides a more accurate measurement of the heart rate and rhythm, especially when the radial pulse is irregular.
C. Assessing the popliteal pulses with a Doppler device is not necessary and does not directly address the irregular radial pulse.
D. While a pulse oximeter can provide information about oxygen saturation, it does not assess heart rate or rhythm.