The nurse is preparing to assess the motor function of the client's trigeminal nerve. Which of the following tests would be most appropriate for the nurse to use?
Have the client smile, frown, and puff out their cheeks
Palpate the masseter muscles when the client clenches their teeth
Assess constriction of the client's pupils with direct and indirect light
Ask the patient to turn their head left and right with resistance
The Correct Answer is B
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.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "Attempt to rotate your head in a circular manner": This instruction is focused on rotation rather than lateral flexion. While rotation assesses different neck movements, it does not specifically evaluate lateral flexion.
B) "Lean your head to the side and attempt to touch your ear to your shoulder": This instruction directly assesses lateral flexion of the neck. It encourages the client to bend their head to the side, effectively demonstrating the range of motion in that direction.
C) "Attempt to raise your shoulders up toward your ears": This instruction assesses shoulder elevation and shrugging rather than lateral flexion of the neck. It does not provide information about the lateral movement of the head.
D) "Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling": This instruction assesses extension of the neck rather than lateral flexion. It evaluates the ability to move the head backward.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Interrupt with frequent questions: While older adults may have questions, they typically do not interrupt frequently. This behavior is more indicative of anxiety or agitation rather than a cognitive change associated with aging.
B) Answer slowly and be confused: While some older adults may exhibit slower responses, confusion is not a normal cognitive change associated with aging. Confusion may suggest underlying issues such as delirium or dementia, rather than typical age-related cognitive changes.
C) Withdraw from strangers: Social withdrawal can occur in some older adults, but it is not a universal expectation. Many older adults remain engaged and sociable, and withdrawal is more commonly associated with mental health issues rather than cognitive changes.
D) Take longer to respond and react: It is common for older adults to take longer to process information and respond due to normal cognitive slowing. This may reflect changes in processing speed rather than a decline in cognitive function, and it is an expected part of aging.