College
1. When assessing the cranial nerves, the nurse asks the patient to smile, frown,
and puff out their cheeks. Which cranial nerve is being tested?
A. Cranial Nerve V
B. Cranial Nerve IX
C. Cranial Nerve VII
D. Cranial Nerve XII
Answer: C
Rationale: Cranial Nerve VII (Facial) is responsible for facial expressions including smiling,
frowning, and puffing cheeks.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient for tactile agnosia. The nurse places a key in the
patient’s hand while their eyes are closed and asks them to identify it. This is a
test of:
A. Stereognosis
B. Graphesthesia
C. Extinction
D. Two-point discrimination
Answer: A
Rationale: Stereognosis is the ability to recognize objects by feeling their form, size, and
weight.
,3. What is the normal expected finding when grading a patient’s deep tendon
reflexes?
A. 1+
B. 3+
C. 2+
D. 4+
Answer: C
Rationale: A grade of 2+ indicates a normal, average reflex response.
4. When performing the Romberg test, which finding would be considered a
positive result?
A. The patient stands still with minimal swaying.
B. The patient loses balance and steps out to prevent a fall.
C. The patient moves their arms to maintain balance.
D. The patient identifies the number traced on their palm.
Answer: B
Rationale: A positive Romberg sign occurs when the patient loses balance and has to move
their feet to stay upright while eyes are closed.
5. The nurse notes that a patient has a positive Babinski sign. How is this
manifested in an adult?
A. Dorsiflexion of the big toe and fanning of all toes.
B. Flexion of the big toe and fanning of other toes.
C. Plantar flexion of all toes.
D. Inward rotation of the foot.
Answer: A
Rationale: In adults, a positive Babinski (dorsiflexion of the big toe) is abnormal and
indicates upper motor neuron disease.
, 6. Which assessment finding is characteristic of chronic arterial insufficiency?
A. Painless ulcers on the ankles.
B. Thick, leathery skin with brownish discoloration.
C. Pitting edema and warm skin.
D. Cool, pale skin and diminished pulses.
Answer: D
Rationale: Arterial insufficiency results in decreased blood flow, causing cool skin, pallor,
and weak or absent pulses.
7. To evaluate the function of Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory), the nurse
should:
A. Ask the patient to stick out their tongue.
B. Assess the patient’s gag reflex.
C. Test the patient’s visual acuity.
D. Ask the patient to shrug their shoulders against resistance.
Answer: D
Rationale: Cranial Nerve XI controls the trapezius and sternomastoid muscles; shrugging
tests these muscles.
8. Which pulse site is located on the dorsal aspect of the foot, lateral to the
extensor tendon of the big toe?
A. Dorsalis pedis
B. Posterior tibial
C. Popliteal
D. Femoral
Answer: A
Rationale: The dorsalis pedis pulse is found on the dorsum of the foot.