2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
During the examination of a client's throat, a nurse touches the posterior wall with a tongue blade and elicits the gag reflex. The nurse documents normal function of which cranial nerves?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The gag reflex is primarily mediated by cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus). Stimulation of the posterior wall of the throat activates these nerves, resulting in the gag response.
Option A (V and VI) is incorrect; cranial nerve V (trigeminal) is responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing, while VI (abducens) controls lateral eye movement, neither of which are involved in the gag reflex.
Options B and C (both XII and VIII) are also incorrect. Cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal) controls tongue movements, and VIII (vestibulocochlear) is related to hearing and balance, with no role in the gag reflex.