A client is being admitted for a potential cerebellar pathology. Which tasks should the nurse ask the client to perform to assess if cerebellar function is within the defined limits? Select all that apply.

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The cerebellum is involved in 2 major functions: coordination of voluntary movements and maintenance of balance and posture. Maintenance of balance is assessed with gait testing and includes watching the client's normal gait first and then the gait on heel-to-toe (tandem), on toes, and on heels (Option E). Coordination testing involves the following: Finger tapping - ability to touch each finger of one hand to the hand's thumb (Option D). Rapid alternating movements - rapid supination and pronation Finger-to-nose testing - clients touch the clinician's finger and then their own nose as the clinician's finger varies in location Heel-to-shin testing - client runs each heel down each shin while in a supine position (Option A) This is a test of sensory function, specifically fine touch (graphesthesia). Other tests for this include identifying an object in the hand (stereognosis) and two-point discrimination. (Option B) Shrugging the shoulders against resistance (as well as turning the head against resistance) is a test for cranial nerve (CN) XI (spinal accessory). (Option C) In a client who has an intact gag reflex, the ability to swallow water helps to assess CN IX (glossopharyngeal) and CN X (vagus). The nurse can also observe for a symmetrical rise of the soft palate and uvula by asking the client to say "ah." Educational objective: The cerebellum is involved in coordination of voluntary movements and maintenance of balance and posture. Balance is assessed with heel-to-toe gait testing. Coordination is assessed with finger tapping, rapid alternating movements, finger-to-nose testing, and heel-to-shin testing.

A Client Is Being Admitted for a Potential Cerebellar Pathology