A client is clenching the jaw closed to avoid taking a prescribed oral medication. The nurse can use this observation to confirm the client is demonstrating motor function of which cranial nerve?

A. The Kernig sign is a clinical test used to diagnose meningitis, not stroke. It involves flexing the patient’s hip and knee and then attempting to extend the knee while the hip is flexed. Pain or resistance during this maneuver can suggest meningeal irritation.
B. Arm weakness refers to the loss of strength or control in one or both arms, which can be a sign of a stroke. It may be noticeable when a person is unable to lift their arm or keep it raised.
C. Sudden confusion, trouble understanding, or difficulty speaking can be signs of a stroke. This may involve problems with language or comprehension, which are related to the areas of the brain responsible for these functions.
D. Face drooping, especially on one side of the face, is a classic sign of stroke. It occurs when the muscles on one side of the face weaken or become paralyzed.
E. The Babinski reflex is a test where the sole of the foot is stroked, and the normal response in adults is the downward flexion of the toes. An abnormal Babinski reflex (upward extension of the big toe) can indicate neurological problems but is not a specific warning sign of stroke.
F. Speech difficulty, such as slurred speech or trouble finding words, is a common sign of a stroke. It can involve problems with articulation, coherence, or understanding language.

A. Concentration refers to the ability to focus on a specific task or thought for a period of time. While concentration is important for cognitive functioning, it is not the specific skill being assessed when interpreting the meaning of a proverb.
B. Attention is the ability to focus and direct mental resources towards a specific task or stimulus. While attention is necessary for understanding and processing information, the task of interpreting a proverb is more related to higher-level cognitive processes rather than just the ability to maintain focus.
C. Affect refers to the emotional state or mood of a person. It involves how emotions are expressed and experienced. Assessing affect involves observing the client’s emotional responses, not their ability to interpret abstract concepts. Therefore, affect is not the focus of this assessment.
D. Abstract reasoning is the ability to understand and interpret concepts and ideas that are not directly observable or tangible. It involves thinking beyond concrete facts to understand underlying meanings, patterns, and relationships. Interpreting a proverb, which involves understanding a figurative meaning rather than a literal one, is a test of abstract reasoning. The ability to grasp the deeper meaning behind “A penny saved is a penny earned” reflects the client's capacity for abstract reasoning.