The nurse moves a finger in a horizontal and vertical motion in front of the client's face while directing the client to follow the finger with the eyes. Which cranial nerves is the nurse assessing? Select all that apply.

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11ecbb05_ca22_c6a6_b433_0d34b4ea4852_MD0009_00 The oculomotor (cranial nerve III), trochlear (cranial nerve IV), and abducens (cranial nerve VI) are motor nerves of the eye that are tested by having the client track an object, such as a finger, through the fields of vision. The oculomotor nerve is also tested by checking for pupillary constriction and accommodation (constriction with near vision). Deficits in cranial nerves III, IV, and VI can include disconjugate gaze (eyes do not move together), nystagmus (fine, rapid jerking eye movements), or ptosis (drooping of the eyelid). (Option A) Cranial nerve II is the optic nerve and a sensory nerve. This nerve is assessed by testing the fields of vision for the client's ability to see objects in the field. In contrast to cranial nerves III, IV, and VI, the client does not track the object in the fields of vision, but instead keeps the eyes fixed and uses the peripheral vision to recognize objects or deficits in the field of vision. (Option D) Cranial nerve V is the trigeminal nerve. The sensory portion of this nerve is assessed by testing sensation at the ophthalmic (forehead), maxillary (cheekbone), and mandibular (jaw line) branches by light touch. Corneal sensation is also a portion of the trigeminal nerve, but this is typically not tested by the nurse. Educational objective: Motor function of the eyes is tested by having the client track an object through the fields of vision and documenting any abnormalities in eye movement that represent cranial nerves III, IV, and VI. The health care provider is then notified of the findings.

The Nurse Moves a Finger in a Horizontal and Vertical