Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 74%
Simulated
A nurse is preparing to assess a client. Which action should the nurse take to check cranial nerve VI?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Ask the client to inspect up. Cranial nerve VI, the abducens nerve, controls lateral eye movement. By asking the client to inspect up, the nurse is testing the function of this nerve. This action should elicit a normal response of both eyes moving upward simultaneously.
A: Testing visual acuity assesses cranial nerve II, the optic nerve.
B: Whispering in the ears tests cranial nerve VIII, the vestibulocochlear nerve.
D: Asking the client to smile assesses cranial nerve VII, the facial nerve.
Therefore, the correct answer is C as it directly tests cranial nerve VI.
A: Testing visual acuity assesses cranial nerve II, the optic nerve.
B: Whispering in the ears tests cranial nerve VIII, the vestibulocochlear nerve.
D: Asking the client to smile assesses cranial nerve VII, the facial nerve.
Therefore, the correct answer is C as it directly tests cranial nerve VI.