When inspecting a patient's eyes, the nurse assesses the presence of cranial nerve III (oculomotor nerve) by observing the eyelids open and close bilaterally.
What other technique does a nurse use to test the function of this cranial nerve?

Choice A rationale

Functional incontinence occurs when an individual cannot reach the bathroom in time due to physical or cognitive limitations. It is not related to stress or pressure on the bladder but rather to external factors that impede timely access to toileting facilities.

Choice B rationale

Reflex incontinence is characterized by involuntary loss of urine due to a lack of signal awareness or detrusor muscle overactivity. It is typically associated with neurological conditions such as spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis. This type of incontinence does not involve stress-related triggers like coughing or sneezing.

Choice C rationale

Stress incontinence involves the involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or physical exertion. This type of incontinence is commonly seen in women, particularly after childbirth or during menopause, due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or sphincter dysfunction.

Choice D rationale

Urge incontinence is characterized by a sudden and intense urge to urinate, often resulting in involuntary urine leakage before reaching the bathroom. It is typically caused by overactive bladder muscles or nerve signals and is not specifically triggered by actions like coughing or sneezing.

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.