Cranial Nerves

Question 1

How do you test for proper function of Cranial nerve 1?

Answer 1

ask client to identify specific smells (test each nostril separately)

Question 2

How do you test for proper function of Cranial nerve 2?

Answer 2

test with snellen chart or by having pt read printed material.

Question 3

How do you test for proper function of Cranial nerve 3?

Answer 3

check extra-ocular movements by assessing the 6 directions of gaze (kitten whiskers)
check pupillary reaction to light & accommodation

Question 4

How do you test for proper function of Cranial nerve 4?

Answer 4

asses the 6 directions of gaze (kitten whiskers)

Question 5

How do you test for proper function of Cranial nerve 5?

Answer 5

asses corneal reflex
Palpate the masseter muscles at the temple while pt clenches jaw
check sensation by lightly touching over the face w/ cotton ball

Question 6

How do you test for proper function of Cranial nerve 6?

Answer 6

asses the 6 directions of gaze (kitten whiskers)

Question 7

How do you test for proper function of Cranial nerve 7?

Answer 7

monitor for symmetry of the face when the pt smiles and raises/lowers eyebrows
check perception of sweet and salty tastes on the front of tongue

Question 8

How do you test for proper function of Cranial nerve 8?

Answer 8

Whisper a word 2 to 3 cm away from ear while client occludes the other ear.
Observe the client’s balance as they walk

Question 9

How do you test for proper function of Cranial nerve 9?

Answer 9

check perception of sweet and sour tastes on the back of the tongue
use a tongue blade to check the gag reflex
asses the ability to swallow

Question 10

How do you test for proper function of Cranial nerve 10?

Answer 10

have pt say “ah” and observe palate & pharynx for movement
listen for hoarseness of voice
asses pulse/ bowel sounds

Question 11

How do you test for proper function of Cranial nerve 11?

Answer 11

observe ability to turn head side to side
monitor pt ability to shrug shoulders against resistance from examiners hands

Question 12

How do you test for proper function of Cranial nerve 12?

Answer 12

ask client to stick out tongue & observe if at midline
asses ability to move tongue side to side

Question 13

what’s cranial nerve # is the hypoglossal nerve?

Answer 13

cranial nerve 12

Question 14

what cranial nerve # is the accessory nerve?

Answer 14

Cranial nerve 11

Question 15

what cranial nerve # is the vagus nerve?

Answer 15

Cranial nerve 10

Question 16

What cranial nerve # is the glossopharyngeal nerve?

Answer 16

Cranial nerve 9

Question 17

What cranial nerve # is the auditory nerve?

Answer 17

Cranial nerve 8

Question 18

What cranial nerve # is the facial nerve?

Answer 18

Cranial nerve 7

Question 19

What cranial nerve # is the abducens nerve?

Answer 19

cranial nerve 6

Question 20

What cranial nerve # is the trigeminal nerve?

Answer 20

Cranial nerve 5

Question 21

What cranial nerve # is the trochlear nerve?

Answer 21

Cranial nerve 4

Question 22

What cranial nerve # is the oculomotor nerve?

Answer 22

Cranial nerve 3

Question 23

what cranial nerve # is the optic nerve?

Answer 23

Cranial nerve 2

Question 24

What cranial nerve # is the olfactory nerve?

Answer 24

Cranial nerve 1