2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
A nurse suspects a patient is developing Bell's Palsy. The nurse wants to test the function of cranial nerve VII. Which of the following would be the most appropriate testing procedures?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Testing cranial nerve VII, the facial nerve, involves assessing both taste sensation and motor function. The most appropriate procedure is to evaluate taste sensation over the front of the tongue and the activation of facial muscles, as these are directly innervated by this nerve.
Option A is incorrect because the back of the tongue is primarily served by cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal), not VII.
Option C is wrong as it incorrectly suggests testing sensation of the facial muscles, which are motor functions, not sensory.
Option D is also incorrect because it mixes sensory functions of the front of the tongue with motor function, failing to focus on the correct areas innervated by cranial nerve VII.