A physician is evaluating the cranial nerve function of a patient. To evaluate oculomotor nerve function, the physician should
A) stand behind the patient and whisper words to see if the patient can repeat them.
B) ask the patient to follow the movement of an object with her gaze.
C) ask the patient to open her mouth and stick out her tongue.
D) touch the surface of the patient's eyeball to initiate blinking.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III) controls most of the eye's movements, including constriction of the pupil and maintaining an open eyelid. Asking the patient to follow the movement of an object with her gaze evaluates the function of this nerve by testing its ability to coordinate eye movements.

A Physician Is Evaluating the Cranial Nerve Function of a Patient