During an assessment of the cranial nerves, the nurse finds the following: Asymmetry when the client frowns, uneven lifting of the eyebrows, sagging of the lower eyelids, and an escape of air from the right side when the client puffs their cheeks. This would indicate the dysfunction of which of the cranial nerves?

Motor component of IV (Trochlear)

Motor and sensory components of XI (Accessory)

Motor component of VII (Facial)

Motor component of X (Vagus) and sensory component of XII (Hypoglossal)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Motor component of IV (Trochlear): The trochlear nerve primarily controls the superior oblique muscle of the eye, which is responsible for downward and lateral eye movements. The findings described do not relate to eye movement and therefore do not indicate dysfunction of this nerve.

B) Motor and sensory components of XI (Accessory): The accessory nerve innervates the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, primarily affecting head rotation and shoulder elevation. The symptoms noted in the assessment do not pertain to these muscle functions, so this option is not correct.

C) Motor component of VII (Facial): The signs of asymmetry in frowning, uneven eyebrow lifting, sagging eyelids, and air escaping when puffing the cheeks are characteristic of dysfunction in the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). This nerve controls the muscles of facial expression, and impairment would lead to the described asymmetrical movements.

D) Motor component of X (Vagus) and sensory component of XII (Hypoglossal): The vagus nerve affects autonomic functions and some swallowing muscles, while the hypoglossal nerve controls tongue movements. Neither nerve is primarily responsible for the facial expressions described in the assessment findings, making this option incorrect.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) The patient's integumentary system is within normal limits for his age: While thinning skin and decreased turgor can be common in older adults, the specific combination of findings, including the patient feeling cold, suggests that further investigation is warranted rather than assuming they are normal.
B) The patient may have a metabolic condition causing him to feel cold: Thin skin and non-elastic turgor can be indicative of aging, but the sensation of always feeling cold may point to an underlying metabolic condition, such as hypothyroidism or poor circulation, which can affect thermoregulation.

C) The patient has abnormal thinning of skin: While skin thinning is common in older adults, it is not necessarily "abnormal" in the context of aging. However, in conjunction with other symptoms like non-elastic turgor and cold sensitivity, it may warrant further evaluation.

D) The patient should have elastic turgor: In older adults, it is common to see decreased elasticity and turgor of the skin. Therefore, expecting the patient to have elastic turgor may not be appropriate, as it reflects the natural aging process rather than a healthy standard.

A. Stiff neck and shoulder pain B. Cauda equina syndrome C. Changes in knee and ankle reflexes D. Sciatica

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Stiff neck and shoulder pain: This symptom is very common in clients with a herniated cervical disc. The herniation can lead to irritation or compression of nearby nerves, resulting in localized pain in the neck and shoulder region. Clients often report this discomfort as one of their primary concerns.

B) Cauda equina syndrome: This serious condition arises from compression of the cauda equina, which occurs in the lower lumbar region of the spine, not the cervical area. Therefore, it is not a typical symptom of a cervical disc herniation.

C) Changes in knee and ankle reflexes: These changes are more associated with lumbar spine issues. While cervical disc problems can affect reflexes, they typically do not present as changes in lower limb reflexes, which are primarily linked to lower back conditions.

D) Sciatica: This term usually refers to pain that radiates down the leg due to compression of the sciatic nerve, often associated with lumbar disc herniation. It is not a common symptom of cervical disc herniation, which affects the neck and upper extremities.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse assessing a 90-year-old patient notes that his skin is thin and turgor is non-elastic. The patient states that he always seems to be cold. What does the nurse know about these assessment findings?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which condition or symptom is most common in clients with a herniated cervical disc?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

What is the main purpose of the health assessment?

When assessing the abdomen, the nurse would expect to auscultate which sounds?

The nurse is beginning a health history interview. Which of the following will best guide the rest of the health history interview?

The nurse auscultates the client's abdomen for 1 minute and does not hear anybowel sounds. What should the nurse do next?

The nurse is caring for a patient with a new diagnosis of Guillian-Barré syndrome. What does the nurse expect to find when assessing this patient?

The nurse is preparing to assess the posterior spine of a client. Which landmark should the nurse use to determine symmetry?

The nurse is providing care to a client who is experiencing back pain. Which of the following in the client's history is a known risk factor for disc herniation?