2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is preparing to test the function of cranial nerve XI. Which action does the nurse take to test this nerve?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cranial nerve XI, also known as the accessory nerve, is primarily responsible for shoulder elevation and head rotation. Testing this nerve involves assessing the strength of shoulder shrugging against resistance, which is accomplished through option D.
Option A pertains to cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal), which controls tongue movements, not the accessory nerve. Option B relates to cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal) and the gag reflex, while option C assesses cranial nerve X (vagus) by evaluating pharyngeal function. Therefore, options A, B, and C do not evaluate cranial nerve XI, making option D the only appropriate choice for testing this specific nerve.