Cranial nerves

Question 1

CN I

Answer 1

olfactory - smell

Question 2

CN II

Answer 2

optic nerve - visual acuity
- SNELLEN chart: stand 20 feet from chart
- peripheral vision # test: have patient look at your nose and say what number of fingers you are holding up

Question 3

CN III, IV, VI

Answer 3

oculomotor nerve (III) - pupil dilation & movement
trochlear (IV) - vertical eye movement
abducens (VI) - lateral eye movement
- have patient follow pen or finger in H motion & observe for nystagmus (involuntary movements)
- check for PERRLA w/ penlight and movement toward face.

Question 4

CN V

Answer 4

trigeminal - facial sensation & expression
- have clench teeth and open mouth

Question 5

CN VII

Answer 5

facial - taste & facial expression
- have patient squint, smile, frown, and puff cheeks

Question 6

CN VIII

Answer 6

vestibulocochlear nerve
- whisper in patient’s ear and have them repeat

Question 7

CN IX

Answer 7

glossopharyngeal nerve
- have patient say ah and observe uvula (should move up)

Question 8

CN X

Answer 8

vagus nerve
- swallow & without hoarseness

Question 9

CN XI

Answer 9

accessory nerve “accessory muscles”
- movement of head side to side and shrugging of shoulders

Question 10

CN XII

Answer 10

hypoglossal - tongue movement