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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Performing CPT immediately after the child eats is not a good action for the nurse to plan to take for a child who has cystic fibrosis and a prescription to receive CPT. CPT involves techniques such as percussion, vibration, and postural drainage that help to loosen and remove mucus from the lungs. Performing CPT right after eating can cause nausea, vomiting, or aspiration, especially if the child has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is common in cystic fibrosis. The nurse should plan to perform CPT at least 1 hour before or after meals.
Choice B reason: Percussing each lung segment for 15 min is not a necessary action for the nurse to plan to take for a child who has cystic fibrosis and a prescription to receive CPT. Percussion is a technique that involves clapping the chest with a cupped hand to create vibrations that loosen the mucus in the airways. Percussion can be done manually or with a mechanical device. The duration of percussion depends on the amount and location of the mucus, but it is usually done for 3 to 5 min per lung segment. Percussing for 15 min per segment can be excessive and cause bruising, pain, or fatigue.
Choice C reason: Administering albuterol prior to CPT is a beneficial action for the nurse to plan to take for a child who has cystic fibrosis and a prescription to receive CPT. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps to relax the smooth muscles of the airways and improve airflow. Administering albuterol before CPT can enhance the effectiveness of the airway clearance techniques by opening up the airways and making it easier to cough up the mucus.
Choice D reason: Performing vibration during the client’s inspirations is not a correct action for the nurse to plan to take for a child who has cystic fibrosis and a prescription to receive CPT. Vibration is a technique that involves applying pressure and shaking the chest wall during exhalation to help move the mucus out of the lungs. Vibration can be done manually or with a mechanical device. Performing vibration during inspiration can interfere with the inhalation of air and oxygen, and reduce the effectiveness of the technique.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decrease respiratory secretions. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any effect on the production or clearance of respiratory secretions. This medication is not used to treat the pulmonary edema and inflammation that occur in ARDS.
Choice B reason: Induce sedation. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any sedative or analgesic properties. This medication does not affect the level of consciousness or pain perception of the client. A client who receives pancuronium should also receive adequate sedation and analgesia to prevent anxiety and discomfort.
Choice C reason: Suppress respiratory effort. This answer is correct because pancuronium is a neuromuscular blocker that inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, causing paralysis and relaxation. This medication is used to suppress the respiratory effort of the client and allow the mechanical ventilator to control the breathing.
Choice D reason: Decrease chest wall compliance. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any effect on the elasticity or stiffness of the chest wall. This medication is not used to treat the reduced lung compliance and increased airway resistance that occur in ARDS.
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