A nurse is assessing a client’s cranial nerves as part of a neurological examination. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to assess cranial nerve III?
Eliciting the gag reflex
Checking the pupillary response to light
Observing for facial symmetry
Testing visual acuity
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Eliciting the gag reflex is not a valid way to assess cranial nerve III. The gag reflex is a protective mechanism that prevents choking or aspiration by triggering a contraction of the pharyngeal muscles when the back of the throat is stimulated. The gag reflex is mediated by cranial nerves IX and X, not III.
Choice B reason: Checking the pupillary response to light is a reliable way to assess cranial nerve III. The pupillary response to light is a reflex that causes the pupil to constrict when exposed to bright light and dilate when exposed to dim light. This reflex helps to regulate the amount of light that enters the eye and protects the retina from damage. The pupillary response to light is controlled by cranial nerve III, which innervates the sphincter pupillae muscle that constricts the pupil.
Choice C reason: Observing for facial symmetry is not a relevant way to assess cranial nerve III. Facial symmetry is the degree of similarity between the two halves of the face. Facial symmetry can be affected by various factors, such as genetics, aging, or facial nerve palsy. Facial nerve palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control facial expression. Facial nerve palsy is caused by damage to cranial nerve VII, not III.
Choice D reason: Testing visual acuity is not a sufficient way to assess cranial nerve III. Visual acuity is the ability to see fine details and distinguish objects at a distance. Visual acuity depends on various factors, such as the clarity of the lens and cornea, the shape of the eyeball, and the function of the retina. Visual acuity is mainly affected by cranial nerve II, which carries visual information from the retina to the brain. Cranial nerve III does not directly influence visual acuity, but it does innervate some of the muscles that move the eye and enable binocular vision.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Ask the client to read a Snellen chart. This method is used to assess cranial nerve II, which is the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for vision and visual acuity. A Snellen chart is a tool that displays letters of different sizes and measures how well the client can see them from a distance of 20 feet.
Choice B reason: Ask the client to clench his teeth. This method is not used to assess cranial nerve II, but cranial nerve V, which is the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensation and motor function of the face, mouth, and jaw. Clenching the teeth tests the strength and symmetry of the masseter and temporalis muscles, which are innervated by the trigeminal nerve.
Choice C reason: Listen to the client’s speech. This method is not used to assess cranial nerve II, but cranial nerves IX, X, and XII, which are the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and hypoglossal nerves. These nerves are responsible for speech production and swallowing. Listening to the client’s speech tests the quality, clarity, and articulation of the voice, as well as the movement and coordination of the tongue and palate.
Choice D reason: Ask the client to identify scented aromas. This method is not used to assess cranial nerve II, but cranial nerve I, which is the olfactory nerve. The olfactory nerve is responsible for smell and olfaction. Asking the client to identify scented aromas tests the ability to detect and recognize different odors.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Attaching a humidifier bottle to the base of the flow meter is a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. A humidifier bottle adds moisture to the oxygen gas, which can prevent dryness and irritation of the nasal passages and the mucous membranes. A humidifier bottle is recommended for oxygen flow rates above 4 L/min.
Choice B reason: Securing the oxygen tubing to the bed sheet near the client’s head is not a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Securing the oxygen tubing to the bed sheet can cause the tubing to kink or twist, which can reduce the oxygen flow or delivery. The nurse should secure the oxygen tubing to the client’s clothing or gown, and ensure that there is enough slack to allow the client to move comfortably.
Choice C reason: Applying petroleum jelly to the nares as needed to soothe mucous membranes is not a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Petroleum jelly is a flammable substance that can ignite when exposed to oxygen. The nurse should avoid using petroleum jelly or any other oil-based products on the client’s face or nose when using oxygen therapy. The nurse should use water-based products, such as saline gel or nasal spray, to moisturize the nares and mucous membranes.
Choice D reason: Removing the nasal cannula while the client eats is not a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Removing the nasal cannula can cause hypoxia, which is a low level of oxygen in the blood. The nurse should keep the nasal cannula in place while the client eats, and monitor the client’s oxygen saturation and respiratory status. The nurse should also assist the client with eating, and encourage small bites and sips to prevent aspiration.
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