Author Question: The nurse is assessing cranial nerve function in the patient recovering from percutaneous rhizotomy ... (Read 93 times)

neverstopbelieb · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse is assessing cranial nerve function in the patient recovering from percutaneous rhizotomy of the facial nerve. What technique should the nurse use when making this assessment?

1. Ask the patient to blow out the cheeks, wrinkle the forehead, frown, wink, and close both eyes tightly.
2. Have the patient touch the index finger to the nose with eyes open, and then repeat the movement with eyes closed.
3. Ask the patient to shrug the shoulders, and then repeat the movement when resistance is applied.
4. Have the patient turn the head to the left, then the right, and touch the ear to the shoulder on the left and right sides.

Question 2

The nurse is reviewing laboratory reports for a patient. What health problem should the nurse realize this patient is experiencing?

1. myasthenia gravis
2. Parkinson disease
3. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
4. Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS)

javimendoza7 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
The facial nerve is assessed by asking the patient to blow out the cheeks, wrinkle the forehead, frown, wink, and close both eyes tightly. The other options assess coordination, the trapezius muscle and muscle strength, and motion of the neck.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Laboratory results consistent with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis include a positive edrophonium chloride (Tensilon) test, delayed nerve transmission during electromyography, and elevated levels of serum acetylcholine receptor antibodies. There are no diagnostic tests for Parkinson disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Guillain-Barr syndrome.