Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 63%
Simulated
A nurse is performing a neurological examination on a client as part of a complete physical assessment. The nurse should identify that cranial nerve XI is intact when the client performs which of the following actions?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Shrugs his shoulders. Cranial nerve XI, also known as the spinal accessory nerve, is responsible for controlling the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, which are involved in shoulder shrugging. When the nurse asks the client to shrug his shoulders against resistance, she is testing the integrity of cranial nerve XI. This action allows the nurse to assess the strength and function of this particular cranial nerve.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they test other cranial nerves. Sticking the tongue out (B) tests cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal nerve), frowning symmetrically (C) tests cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), and identifying a sour taste (D) tests cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal nerve). These actions do not involve cranial nerve XI and are therefore not indicators of its intactness.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they test other cranial nerves. Sticking the tongue out (B) tests cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal nerve), frowning symmetrically (C) tests cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), and identifying a sour taste (D) tests cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal nerve). These actions do not involve cranial nerve XI and are therefore not indicators of its intactness.