During an assessment, a nurse observes that a patient cannot shrug their shoulders. Which cranial nerve is likely impaired?
Vagus nerve (CNX)
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
The Correct Answer is C
A. Vagus nerve (CN X): The Vagus nerve is responsible for the regulation of internal organ functions (digestion, heart rate, respiratory rate) and certain muscles of the throat for swallowing. It does not control the shoulders.
B. Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII): The Hypoglossal nerve innervates the muscles of the tongue. Impairment here would result in tongue weakness or deviation, not shoulder issues.
C. Accessory nerve (CN XI): The Spinal Accessory nerve provides motor innervation to two major muscles: the sternocleidomastoid (neck rotation) and the trapezius (shoulder elevation/shrugging). Inability to shrug represents paralysis of the trapezius.
D. Facial nerve (CN VII): The Facial nerve controls the muscles of facial expression (smiling, frowning, closing eyes). It does not control neck or shoulder musculature.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Central nervous system:Sudden focal motor deficits (e.g., inability to move one limb) and speech disturbance typically indicate a lesion in the brain (cerebral cortex, internal capsule, brainstem) or spinal cord - structures of the central nervous system (CNS). Common causes include stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), intracerebral hemorrhage, or a space-occupying lesion affecting motor or language areas.
B. Enteric nervous system:The enteric nervous system governs gastrointestinal motility, secretion, and blood flow within the gut. It does notcontrol voluntary limb movement or speech, so it is not responsible for these focal neurological signs.
C. Peripheral nervous system:The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes peripheral nerves and roots. PNS lesions produce patterns such as peripheral neuropathy, mononeuropathy, or radiculopathy (sensory loss, distal weakness, reflex changes) but rarely cause acute combined limb paralysis plus dysarthria from a single focal lesion affecting both motor cortex and language pathways - that pattern points to CNS pathology.
D. Autonomic nervous system:The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions (heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, pupil size). Autonomic dysfunction would not cause isolated sudden motor loss of an arm or slurred speech.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. By regulating body temperature through sweat and blood flow:The skin (integument) plays a vital role in thermoregulation. When the body is hot, sweat glands release sweat (evaporative cooling) and blood vessels dilate (vasodilation) to release heat. When cold, vessels constrict (vasoconstriction) to retain heat.
B. By producing digestive enzymes:The production of digestive enzymes is the function of the digestive system organs, such as the stomach and pancreas.
C. By storing nutrients and minerals:While the skin synthesizes Vitamin D, the primary storage sites for nutrients and minerals are the liver (vitamins/glycogen) and bones (calcium/phosphorus).
D. By filtering blood to remove waste products:Filtration of blood to remove metabolic waste is the primary function of the urinary system (kidneys).
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today