A nurse is assessing a client’s cranial nerves. What cranial nerve would be assessed when checking a client’s gag reflex?

CN IX

CN V

CN X

CN XII

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) is primarily responsible for the gag reflex. It provides sensory input from the pharynx and posterior third of the tongue, which triggers the gag reflex when stimulated. This nerve plays a crucial role in swallowing and the reflexive action to prevent choking.

Choice B reason: The trigeminal nerve (CN V) is responsible for facial sensation and motor functions such as biting and chewing. It does not play a direct role in the gag reflex. While it is important for other sensory and motor functions, it is not involved in the reflex being assessed here.

Choice C reason: The vagus nerve (CN X) also contributes to the gag reflex by providing motor innervation to the muscles of the pharynx and larynx. However, the primary sensory input for the gag reflex comes from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). The vagus nerve works in conjunction with CN IX to complete the reflex action.

Choice D reason: The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) controls the movements of the tongue. It is essential for speech and swallowing but does not have a role in the gag reflex. The hypoglossal nerve’s primary function is motor control of the tongue muscles.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Effective hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations provide guidelines on proper hand hygiene techniques to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Choice A Reason:

“Rub soap on hands for 20 seconds.”

This is the correct action for effective hand hygiene. According to the CDC, scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds is essential to remove germs effectively. This duration ensures that all surfaces of the hands, including the backs, between the fingers, and under the nails, are thoroughly cleaned. The CDC recommends singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice as a timer to ensure you scrub for the full 20 seconds.

Choice B Reason:

“Allow hands and arms to dry.”

While drying hands is an important step in hand hygiene, it is not the primary action that makes hand hygiene effective. The focus should be on the thorough scrubbing and cleaning of the hands. After washing, hands should be dried using a clean towel or air dryer to prevent the transfer of germs from wet hands.

Choice C Reason:

“Hold the hands higher than the elbows.”

This technique is often used in surgical hand antisepsis to prevent water from running from the hands down to the elbows, potentially contaminating the hands again. However, for routine hand hygiene, this is not necessary. The primary focus should be on the thorough washing and scrubbing of the hands.

Choice D Reason:

“Adjust the water temperature to feel hot.”

The temperature of the water is less important than the act of scrubbing itself. The CDC states that hands can be washed with either warm or cold water. The key is to use soap and scrub all surfaces of the hands for at least 20 seconds. Hot water can actually be harsh on the skin and is not required for effective hand hygiene.

A. Open the client’s visual acuity using a Snellen chart. B. Whisper none of the client’s ears while blocking the other. C. Ask the client to inspect up. D. Ask the client to smile.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Open the client’s visual acuity using a Snellen chart is incorrect. This action assesses cranial nerve II (optic nerve), which is responsible for vision. The Snellen chart is used to measure visual acuity, not the function of cranial nerve VI

Choice B Reason:

Whisper none of the client’s ears while blocking the other is incorrect. This action assesses cranial nerve VIII (vestibulocochlear nerve), which is responsible for hearing and balance. Whispering tests the auditory function of this nerve.

Choice C Reason:

Ask the client to inspect up is correct. Cranial nerve VI (abducens nerve) controls the lateral rectus muscle, which is responsible for moving the eye outward. Asking the client to look up and outward helps assess the function of this nerve.

Choice D Reason:

Ask the client to smile is incorrect. This action assesses cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), which controls the muscles of facial expression. Smiling tests the motor function of this nerve.

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A nurse is assessing a client’s cranial nerves. What cranial nerve would be assessed when checking a client’s gag reflex?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene. Which action should the nurse take for hand hygiene to be effective?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to assess a client. Which action should the nurse take to check cranial nerve VI?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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