During the assessment of a client's head and neck, the nurse observes the client's facial expressions and the face for symmetry and movement. Which cranial nerve is the nurse assessing?
VII
V
III
VI
The Correct Answer is A
A) VII: The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) is responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression. By assessing facial symmetry and movement, the nurse evaluates the integrity and function of this nerve, which is crucial for activities such as smiling, frowning, and raising eyebrows.
B) V: The trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) is primarily responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as chewing. While it plays a role in facial movement, it does not specifically assess facial expressions.
C) III: The oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III) controls eye movement and pupil constriction. It does not directly influence facial expressions, so it is not the nerve being assessed in this context.
D) VI: The abducens nerve (cranial nerve VI) is responsible for lateral eye movement. It is unrelated to facial expression or symmetry and is not the focus of this assessment.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A) Blood pressure 150/90: This data is objective because it is a measurable value obtained through direct observation using a sphygmomanometer. It provides a quantifiable assessment of the client's cardiovascular status and can be verified by others, making it an important piece of objective data.
B) Bowel sounds present in all 4 quadrants: The assessment of bowel sounds is objective as it involves physical examination techniques that can be observed and documented by the nurse. The presence of bowel sounds indicates gastrointestinal activity, and this finding can be consistently assessed across different healthcare providers.
C) PERRLA: The abbreviation stands for "Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation." This assessment is objective as it involves specific, observable measurements of the client's pupils during an eye examination. It can be consistently evaluated by different healthcare professionals, ensuring reliable documentation.
D) Anxious about surgical procedure: This statement is subjective as it reflects the client's personal feelings and emotional state. While important for understanding the client's experience, it cannot be measured or observed directly by the nurse and relies on the client's self-reporting.
E) Dyspnea on exertion: While dyspnea can be observed, the phrase "on exertion" refers to the client's subjective experience of breathlessness. Although it can be assessed through observation of respiratory patterns, the experience itself is based on the client's interpretation, making it subjective data.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Have the client smile, frown, and puff out their cheeks: This test assesses the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), not the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). While important for evaluating facial movement, it does not specifically test the motor function of the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for mastication.
B) Palpate the masseter muscles when the client clenches their teeth: This is the correct test for assessing the motor function of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve innervates the muscles responsible for chewing, and palpating the masseter muscles during clenching allows the nurse to evaluate muscle strength and function. It provides insight into the motor capabilities associated with this cranial nerve.
C) Assess constriction of the client's pupils with direct and indirect light: This test evaluates the function of the optic nerve (cranial nerve II) and the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III). It does not assess the trigeminal nerve and is not relevant for this assessment.
D) Ask the patient to turn their head left and right with resistance: This action tests the spinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI), which is involved in neck movement. It does not relate to the function of the trigeminal nerve, making it an inappropriate choice for this specific assessment.