Which of the following tests would be most appropriate for the nurse to use when assessing motor function of the trigeminal nerve?

Assess dilatation of pupils with direct light.

Ask the client to differentiate between sharp and dull sensations on the client's face.

Palpates temporal and masseter muscles while client clenches teeth.

Have the client smile, frown, and wrinkle the forehead.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   This test assesses the function of the oculomotor nerve (CN III), not the trigeminal nerve. The oculomotor nerve controls the constriction and dilation of the pupils, as well as some eye movements. Therefore, this choice is not appropriate for assessing the trigeminal nerve.
B.   This test assesses the sensory function of the trigeminal nerve (CN V). The trigeminal nerve provides sensation to the face, and testing the ability to differentiate between sharp and dull sensations evaluates

the sensory component of this nerve. However, this test does not assess the motor function of the trigeminal nerve.
C.   This test evaluates the motor function of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve controls the muscles involved in chewing, including the temporal and masseter muscles. By palpating these muscles while the client clenches their teeth, the nurse assesses the strength and function of these muscles, which are innervated by the trigeminal nerve. This is a direct test of motor function for CN V.
D.   This test assesses the function of the facial nerve (CN VII), which controls the muscles of facial expression. It is not relevant for assessing the trigeminal nerve, which is involved in both sensory functions of the face and motor functions related to chewing.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. The trigeminal nerve (CN V) is primarily responsible for sensation in the face and the motor control of the muscles used for chewing. It does not have a role in balance or equilibrium, so it would not be the focus when assessing balance issues.
B. The facial nerve (CN VII) controls the muscles of facial expression and provides taste sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. While it plays a significant role in facial movement and taste, it is not involved in balance or equilibrium.
C. The olfactory nerve (CN I) is responsible for the sense of smell. It does not have any role in balance or equilibrium. Balance issues are not related to the olfactory nerve, so this is not the appropriate focus for balance assessment.
D. The vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) has two major components: the cochlear nerve, which is responsible for hearing, and the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for balance and equilibrium. The vestibular component of CN VIII is crucial for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. When a client reports spontaneous loss of balance, this nerve should be the focus of additional assessment.

A. Blurred vision B. Difficulty speaking C. Loss of tactile sensation D. inability to hear high-pitched sounds

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Blurred vision is generally associated with visual system issues, which involve the occipital lobe or the visual pathways rather than the frontal lobe. Broca’s area, located in the frontal lobe, is involved in speech production and not in vision processing.
B. Difficulty speaking is a key symptom associated with damage to Broca’s area, which is located in the frontal lobe and responsible for speech production. A contusion in this area can lead to expressive aphasia, where the individual has trouble forming grammatically correct sentences and articulating words, while comprehension remains relatively intact.
C. Loss of tactile sensation would generally be associated with damage to the parietal lobe, where the primary somatosensory cortex is located. The parietal lobe processes sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain. Since Broca’s area is located in the frontal lobe and primarily deals with language production, loss of tactile sensation is not typically expected from a frontal lobe contusion affecting Broca's area.
D. Inability to hear high-pitched sounds relates to issues with the auditory pathways or structures involved in hearing, such as the temporal lobe or the auditory cortex, not the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe and Broca’s area do not directly control auditory perception.

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Which of the following tests would be most appropriate for the nurse to use when assessing motor function of the trigeminal nerve?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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