A nurse is assessing a patient's cranial nerves and notes an abnormal response to testing cranial nerve VI. What action by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cranial nerve VI (abducens) is responsible for outward gaze of the eyes. Abnormal findings could indicate a fracture of the orbit or a brain tumor. The nurse asks the patient questions related to these two conditions. The provider needs to be informed and the nurse must document, but first the nurse conducts a thorough assessment. Frowning and lifting the eyes assesses cranial nerve VII.

A Nurse Is Assessing a Patient's Cranial Nerves and Notes