A client's fracture is healing and compact bone is replacing spongy bone around the periphery of the fracture. This process characterizes what phase of the bone healing process?

Choice A rationale

Assessing the client's verbal response is the first step in evaluating their level of consciousness (LOC). It provides immediate information about their ability to communicate and follow commands.

Choice B rationale

Assessing the client's response to pain is a later step in the LOC assessment if the client does not respond to verbal stimuli. It helps determine the level of consciousness if the client is not verbally responsive.

Choice C rationale

Assessing the client's judgment is part of a cognitive assessment but is not the first action when assessing LOC. It evaluates higher brain functions, not the initial level of responsiveness.

Choice D rationale

Assessing the client's ability to follow complex commands is part of a cognitive assessment and provides information about higher brain function but is not the first step in LOC assessment.

Choice A rationale

Cranial nerve VII (Facial nerve) controls muscles of facial expression and functions in taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, not balance.

Choice B rationale

Cranial nerve VI (Abducens nerve) controls lateral eye movement and has no role in balance or proprioception.

Choice C rationale

Cranial nerve VIII (Vestibulocochlear nerve) is responsible for hearing and balance. A positive Romberg test indicates issues with proprioception or vestibular function, which is directly linked to this nerve.

Choice D rationale

Cranial nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal nerve) involves taste sensation from the posterior third of the tongue and some swallowing functions, not balance.