Which cranial nerve would be affected in a patient who reports having loss the sense of smell?
IX
I
XII
X
The Correct Answer is B
Anosmia, the loss of olfaction, results from dysfunction of the olfactory nerve, which transmits sensory data from the nasal epithelium. It is the shortest cranial nerve and passes through the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone. Damage often occurs via head trauma, viral infections, or anterior fossa tumors.
A. IX: The glossopharyngeal nerve mediates taste for the posterior third of the tongue and the gag reflex. It provides secretomotor fibers to the parotid gland and visceral sensory input from the carotid sinus. It does not contribute to the sense of smell.
B. I: Cranial nerve I is the olfactory nerve, purely responsible for the special visceral afferent pathway of smell. Clinical assessment involves testing each nostril with non-irritating odors like coffee. This nerve is the direct anatomical structure responsible for the patient's symptoms.
C. XII: The hypoglossal nerve is a purely motor nerve that innervates the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the tongue. Assessment involves observing for tongue deviation, fasciculations, or atrophy during protrusion. It has no sensory function related to olfaction or chemicals.
D. X: The vagus nerve provides extensive parasympathetic innervation to the thoracic and abdominal viscera and controls phonation and swallowing. It carries sensory information from the larynx and pharynx. It is not involved in the special sensory process of smelling.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
An adult with a complete set of permanent teeth possesses 32 structures, including the third molars (wisdom teeth). These are categorized into incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, each designed for specific mechanical digestive functions. This set replaces the deciduous teeth, which total 20 in the pediatric population.
A. 20: This is the normal number of primary or "baby" teeth found in children. Deciduous teeth serve as placeholders for the permanent set but are eventually shed. An adult with only 20 teeth would have significant dental loss or developmental anomalies.
B. 32: A full adult dentition consists of 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars (including 4 wisdom teeth). This is the standard anatomical count used in clinical dental and physical assessments. It reflects the completion of dental development by early adulthood.
C. 16: This number represents exactly half of a full adult set of teeth, typically the count for either the maxillary or mandibular arch alone. Documenting 16 teeth in an entire adult mouth would indicate severe dental decay or extraction.
D. 28: While many adults have 28 teeth if their third molars (wisdom teeth) have been surgically removed or never erupted, the "normal" biological count for the full permanent set is 32. Dental assessments use 32 as the baseline for a complete human adult mouth.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Pronation of the hand occurs when the radius rotates medially around its longitudinal axis, crossing over the ulna. This movement results in the palm facing posteriorly (downward) and the thumb pointing toward the body's midline. It is controlled by the pronator teres and pronator quadratus muscles and is a key component of the neurological motor exam.
A. Pronation: The image in "image_b56957.png" displays the hand with the dorsum (back) facing the viewer and the palm facing downward. This is the hallmark anatomical position of a pronated forearm. It is the correct term for the orientation shown.
B. Extension: Extension at the wrist would involve moving the hand toward the dorsal surface of the forearm. While the hand is straight, "extension" describes a joint angle rather than the rotational orientation of the palm. It does not describe the specific cross-over of the forearm bones seen here.
C. Supination: Supination is the opposite of the position shown; it would feature the palm facing upward (anteriorly) with the radius and ulna parallel. Since the back of the hand is visible and the palm is hidden, the hand is not in supination.
D. Flexion: Wrist flexion involves bending the palm toward the ventral surface of the forearm. The hand in the image is held in a neutral, straight line with the arm. Therefore, the term "flexion" does not apply to the position depicted.
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