The nurse is caring for a client with Bell palsy. Which of the following assessment findings does the nurse expect? Select all that apply.

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11ecbb05_ca2a_8edc_b433_dff78e191e14_MD0009_00 Bell palsy is peripheral, unilateral facial paralysis characterized by inflammation of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) in the absence of a stroke or other causative agent/disease. Paralysis of the motor fibers innervating the facial muscles results in flaccidity on the affected side. cranial nerve VII Manifestations of Bell palsy include: Inability to completely close the eye on the affected side Alteration in tear production (eg, decreased tearing with extreme dryness, excessive tearing) due to weakness of the lower eyelid muscle (Option A) Flattening of the nasolabial fold on the side of the paralysis (Option C) Inability to smile or frown symmetrically (Option D) Alteration in the sensory fibers can cause loss of taste on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. (Options B and E) Electric shock-like pain in the lips and gums and severe pain along the cheekbone are symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia (cranial nerve V). With Bell palsy, the trigeminal nerve may become hypersensitive and cause facial pain, but this is uncommon and typically more indicative of trigeminal neuralgia. Educational objective: Bell palsy is unilateral facial paralysis due to inflammation of the facial nerve that is characterized by inability to close the affected eye completely, changes in tear production, facial droop, and asymmetrical smile or frown.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Bell Palsy