A physician is evaluating the cranial nerve function of a patient. To evaluate trigeminal 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 trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) is responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. Testing its function often involves assessing facial sensation and the corneal reflex, which is elicited by touching the surface of the eyeball to initiate blinking. Choices A, B, and C assess functions of other cranial nerves: A tests the auditory component of the vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII), B tests the oculomotor (III), trochlear (IV), and abducens (VI) nerves, and C tests the hypoglossal nerve (XII).

A Physician Is Evaluating the Cranial Nerve Function of a Patient