Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Simulated
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?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Checking the pupillary response to light. Cranial nerve III, also known as the oculomotor nerve, controls the pupillary constriction in response to light. To assess this nerve, the nurse should shine a light into the client's eyes and observe for constriction of the pupils. This action tests the functionality of cranial nerve III specifically.
Other choices are incorrect:
A: Eliciting the gag reflex assesses cranial nerve IX, the glossopharyngeal nerve.
C: Observing for facial symmetry assesses cranial nerve VII, the facial nerve.
D: Testing visual acuity assesses cranial nerve II, the optic nerve.
Therefore, choice B is correct for assessing cranial nerve III, while the other choices are for assessing different cranial nerves.
Other choices are incorrect:
A: Eliciting the gag reflex assesses cranial nerve IX, the glossopharyngeal nerve.
C: Observing for facial symmetry assesses cranial nerve VII, the facial nerve.
D: Testing visual acuity assesses cranial nerve II, the optic nerve.
Therefore, choice B is correct for assessing cranial nerve III, while the other choices are for assessing different cranial nerves.