The nurse asks the patient to walk heel-to-toe, on the toes, and ...

[mcmcdaniel]

The nurse asks the patient to walk heel-to-toe, on the toes, and then on the heels. What function is the nurse assessing?
 
  1. cerebellar
  2. cerebral
  3. midbrain
  4. brainstem

Question 2

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?
 
  1. Shrug the shoulders and turn the head against resistance.
  2. Stick out the tongue and move it from side to side.
  3. Taste foods and distinguish sweet from sour.
  4. Smell items with one nostril blocked and identify them correctly.

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Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
The ability to follow the instructions, walk heel-to-toe, on the toes, then on the heels provides information about the cerebellum. The cerebrum's functions are to interpret sensory input, control skeletal muscle activity, process intellect and emotions, and contain skill memory. The midbrain is a center of auditory and visual reflexes. The brainstem consists of the midbrain (which is the center of auditory and visual reflexes), the pons (which contains nuclei that control respiration), and the medulla oblongata (which plays an important part in controlling cardiac rate, blood pressure, respiration, and swallowing).

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Cranial nerve XI, the spinal accessory nerve, is tested by asking the patient to shrug the shoulders and turn the head against resistance. Cranial nerve XII, the hypoglossal nerve, is tested by asking the patient to stick out the tongue and move it from side to side. Cranial nerve VII, the facial nerve, is tested by asking the patient to distinguish among different tastes. Cranial nerve I, the olfactory nerve, is tested by having the patient identify smells correctly with each nostril.