An emergency medical technician is examining a trauma victim by shining a pen light into her patient's eye. She records the reactivity of the patents pupils as they constrict when stimulated by the light. This test supports which of the following?
A) The patient has lost function of the optic nerve (II).
B) The patient has function of the trochlear nerve (IV).
C) The patient has function of the oculomotor nerve (III).
D) The patient has suffered brain damage.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The test being performed is called the pupillary light reflex, which involves shining a light into the eye to stimulate the oculomotor nerve (III). This nerve controls the muscles that constrict the pupil when exposed to light. If the patient's pupils constrict in response to the light, it indicates that the oculomotor nerve is functioning properly. Therefore, choice C is correct. Choices A and B are incorrect because the optic nerve (II) and trochlear nerve (IV) do not directly control pupil size. Choice D cannot be determined solely through this test.

An Emergency Medical Technician Is Examining a Trauma Victim by Shining