Section 1: Cranial Nerve Assessment (Questions 1-30)
Question 1
Of the following, which cranial nerves are only of motor type, not sensory?
A) I, VII, and X
B) IV, V, and VI
C) III, XI, XII
D) I, VIII, IX
Answer: C
Rationale: Cranial nerves III (Oculomotor), XI (Spinal Accessory), and XII
(Hypoglossal) are purely motor nerves. CN I and II are sensory; CN V, VII, IX, and X
are mixed (both sensory and motor). This is a fundamental distinction in cranial
nerve assessment.
Question 2
Palpating the masseter and temporal muscles tests which cranial nerve?
,A) II (Optic)
B) IV (Trochlear)
C) V (Trigeminal)
D) VIII (Vestibulocochlear)
Answer: C
Rationale: The masseter and temporal muscles are innervated by the mandibular
branch (V3) of the trigeminal nerve (CN V). Palpation during clenching tests motor
function of CN V. This distinguishes CN V from other cranial nerves involved in
facial expression (CN VII) or eye movement.
Question 3
A patient's pupils are not the correct size for the amount of light. Damage to
which cranial nerve is suspected?
A) I (Olfactory)
B) VI (Abducens)
C) III (Oculomotor)
D) II (Optic)
,Answer: C
Rationale: The oculomotor nerve (CN III) provides parasympathetic innervation to
the sphincter pupillae muscle, controlling pupillary constriction. Damage results in
a dilated, non-reactive pupil. CN II carries afferent signals for the pupillary light
reflex, while CN III carries efferent signals.
Question 4
What kind of vertigo/loss of equilibrium also may include sensory disturbances?
A) Vestibular neuronitis
B) Meniere's disease
C) Multiple sclerosis
D) Acoustic neuroma
Answer: C
Rationale: Multiple sclerosis can cause vertigo along with sensory disturbances
due to demyelination in multiple areas of the central nervous system. Unlike
peripheral causes of vertigo, MS often presents with additional neurological
symptoms including numbness, weakness, or visual changes.
Question 5
, Which of the following often present with intermittent neurological deficit,
vertigo, and weakness?
A) Migraines
B) Cluster headaches
C) Transient ischemic attacks
D) Tension headaches
Answer: C
Rationale: Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) present with intermittent, focal
neurological deficits that resolve within 24 hours. Symptoms may include vertigo,
weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties depending on the affected vascular
territory. This distinguishes TIAs from primary headache disorders.
Question 6
Having a patient identify a physical object by touch with the eyes closed tests
what?
A) Graphesthesia
B) Vibratory sense