NCLEX: Assessment of the Cranial Nerves

NCLEX: Assessment of the Cranial
Nerves

Cranial Nerve I: Olfactory
Sensory

Controls the sense of smell Answer- Have the client close the eyes and occlude one
nostril with a finger

Ask the client to identify nonirritating and familiar odors (coffee, tea, cloves, soap,
chewing gum, peppermint)

Repeat the test on the other nostril

Cranial Nerve II: Optic
Sensory

Controls vision Answer- Asses visual acuity with a Snellen chart and perform an
ophthalmoscopic exam

Check peripheral vision by confrontation

Check color vision

Cranial Nerve III, IV, VI

Cranial Nerve III: Oculomotor
Motor
Controls pupillary constriction, upper-eyelid elevation, and most eye movement

Cranial Nerve IV: Trochlear
Motor
Controls downward and inward eye movement

Cranial Nerve VI: Abducens
Motor
Controls lateral eye movement Answer- The motor functions of cranial nerves III, IV, VI,
overlap, therefore they should be tested together

Inspect the eyelids for ptosis (drooping); then assess ocular movements and note any
eye deviations