2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
During a throat assessment, a healthcare provider asks a client to stick out their tongue and notices it protrudes in the midline. Which cranial nerve is being tested?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Protruding the tongue in the midline primarily tests the function of the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII), which controls tongue movement. When the tongue is extended properly, it indicates normal functioning of this nerve.
Option A (Cranial nerve X) relates to the vagus nerve, which is involved in throat and voice functions but does not control tongue movement.
Option B (Cranial nerve V) is the trigeminal nerve, responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions like chewing, not tongue protrusion.
Option C (Cranial nerve IX) pertains to the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is involved in taste and swallowing but does not directly affect tongue movement.