Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 72%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A nurse is performing a cranial nerve assessment on a school-age child.Which of the following findings indicates proper functioning of the child's trigeminal nerve?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: The child has symmetrical jaw strength when biting down. Proper functioning of the trigeminal nerve, which controls the muscles of mastication, is indicated by symmetrical jaw strength when biting down. This nerve innervates the muscles responsible for chewing. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Maintaining balance with eyes closed involves the vestibular system, not the trigeminal nerve. B: The gag reflex is controlled by the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, not the trigeminal nerve. C: Identifying scents is associated with the olfactory nerve, not the trigeminal nerve.