As part of a preoperative examination, the nurse depresses the patient's tongue with a tongue depressor and moves it from side to side. This test is an example of examining which cranial nerve?

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Depressing the patient's tongue with a tongue depressor and moving it from side to side is an example of examining cranial nerve XII, the hypoglossal nerve. This nerve controls tongue movement and has an impact on the movement of saliva through swallowing. If the patient is going to be intubated for the surgical procedure, damage to the tongue may affect swallowing and speech.

As Part of a Preoperative Examination, the Nurse Depresses the Patient's