The nurse is preparing to assess a patient's cranial nerve XI (spinal accessory). What should the nurse ask the patient to complete this assessment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To assess cranial nerve XI, the nurse should ask the patient to shrug the shoulders and turn the head against resistance. This tests the function of the spinal accessory nerve, which controls the muscles that enable these movements. Stick out the tongue and move it from side to side (option B) tests cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal nerve), which controls tongue movement. Taste foods and distinguish sweet from sour (option C) and smell items with one nostril blocked and identify them correctly (option D) test cranial nerves VII (facial nerve) and I (olfactory nerve), respectively.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Assess a Patient's Cranial Nerve