In performing a breast examination, the nurse knows that examining the upper outer quadrant of the breast is especially important.
The reason for this is that the upper quadrant is:

Choice A rationale

Loss of peripheral vision is more commonly associated with glaucoma, where increased intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve. This condition leads to gradual loss of peripheral vision, often described as "tunnel vision.”. Cataracts typically do not cause this symptom.

Choice B rationale

Cataracts involve the clouding of the eye's natural lens, leading to blurred vision and decreased ability to perceive colors. The clouding scatters light, reducing the clarity of color perception and overall vision. This symptom is consistent with cataract formation.

Choice C rationale

Seeing bright flashes of light and floaters is more commonly associated with retinal detachment or posterior vitreous detachment. These conditions involve changes in the retina or vitreous humor, leading to such visual disturbances. Cataracts do not typically cause these symptoms.

Choice D rationale

Loss of central vision is more commonly associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), where the central part of the retina (macula) deteriorates. This condition affects central vision, making activities like reading and recognizing faces difficult. Cataracts primarily cause generalized blurred vision, not central vision loss.

Choice A rationale

The optic nerve (CN II) is responsible for vision, transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. Dysfunction of the optic nerve would result in visual disturbances, such as loss of vision or changes in visual acuity, rather than difficulty with tongue movement. This nerve does not control motor functions of the tongue.

Choice B rationale

The abducens nerve (CN VI) controls the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, which is responsible for moving the eye outward, away from the nose. Dysfunction of the abducens nerve would result in issues with eye movement, such as double vision or inability to move the eye laterally, not tongue movement. It does not play a role in tongue motor control.

Choice C rationale

The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) controls the muscles of the tongue, enabling movements necessary for speech, swallowing, and mastication. Dysfunction of this nerve would result in difficulty protruding the tongue and reduced strength during resistance testing. Symptoms can include atrophy of the tongue muscles, fasciculations, and deviation of the tongue to one side when extended.

Choice D rationale

The vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) is responsible for hearing and balance, transmitting sound and equilibrium information from the inner ear to the brain. Dysfunction of the vestibulocochlear nerve would lead to symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance disorders like vertigo. It does not affect the motor control of the tongue.