The nurse is performing a neurologic assessment on a client diagnosed with a stroke and cannot elicit a gag reflex. This deficit is related to which of the following cranial nerves?

Choice A rationale

Encouraging adequate water intake is important for overall health, but it does not directly address the client’s fear of undergoing an EEG. Adequate hydration can ensure better conduction of electrical signals, but it has no bearing on the client's anxiety related to a past electrocution incident. Therefore, it would not be effective in alleviating the client's specific fear regarding the EEG procedure.

Choice B rationale

Distracting the client’s attention from the test may temporarily reduce anxiety, but it does not address the underlying fear. The client’s fear stems from a misunderstanding of the EEG procedure, and distraction will not resolve this. It is more effective to provide factual information to dispel the fear.

Choice C rationale

Informing the client that they will not experience any electrical shock is a crucial step in alleviating their fear. An EEG records brain activity through electrodes placed on the scalp; it does not involve sending electrical currents into the body. Clarifying this fact helps address the root cause of the client’s fear, providing reassurance and reducing anxiety.

Choice D rationale

Informing the client that they will experience only mild electrical shock is incorrect and misleading. An EEG does not deliver any electrical shock to the client. Providing inaccurate information could increase the client’s anxiety and distrust. Proper education about the procedure's safety is essential for alleviating the client’s fear.

Choice A rationale

Furuncles, also known as boils, are deep folliculitis caused by bacterial infection, not sebum blockage.

Choice B rationale

Carbuncles are clusters of furuncles connected under the skin and are also caused by bacterial infection, not sebum blockage.

Choice C rationale

Comedones are primary lesions of acne caused by the blockage of hair follicles by sebum and keratin. They can be open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads).

Choice D rationale

Striae, also known as stretch marks, are caused by the tearing of the dermis due to rapid stretching of the skin and are not related to sebum blockage in hair follicles.