Considering anatomic location,which cranial nerve will be affected first by downward pressure onto the infratentorial structures?
A) III
B) VI
C) IX
D) X

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With the location of the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve [CN] III)at the notch of the tentorium,pupil size and reactivity play a key role in the physical assessment of intracranial pressure changes and herniation syndromes.In addition to CN III compression,changes in pupil size occur for other reasons.Large pupils can result from the instillation of cycloplegic agents,such as atropine or scopolamine,or can indicate extreme stress.Extremely small pupils can indicate narcotic overdose,lower brainstem compression,or bilateral damage to the pons.

Considering Anatomic Location,which Cranial Nerve Will Be Affected First by Downward