Cranial Nerve Assessment For Nurses. The cranial nerve assessment is an important part of the neurologic exam as cranial nerves can often correlate with serious neurologic pathology. Distance vision tested using a snellen chart the patient reads from a distance of 20 feet is rarely part of a general physical exam. This is important for nurses nurse practitioners and other medical professionals to know how to test cranial nerves and what cranial nerve assessment abnormalities may indicate. Learn how to assess cranial nerves i xii 1 12 for the nursing head to toe assessment cranial nerve tests will help yo.
During a health assessment of the nervous system you will assess the cranial nerves motor function sensory function and reflexes. The comprehensive assessment a thorough neurologic assessment will include assessing mental status cranial nerves motor and sensory function pupillary response reflexes the cerebellum and vital signs. Testing near vision however is easy to do in most practice settings. Assessment of the cranial nerves provides insightful and vital information about the patient s nervous system. Be sure to provide adequate lighting when performing a. Cranial nerve ii the optic nerve is a sensory nerve that is best tested by checking visual acuity.
Distance vision tested using a snellen chart the patient reads from a distance of 20 feet is rarely part of a general physical exam.
This nerve supplies the motor fibers used for facial expressions and also the salivary and lacrimal glands. First you will be assessing the symmetry of facial movement. This nerve supplies the motor fibers used for facial expressions and also the salivary and lacrimal glands. Cranial nerve examination for nurses. Figure 6 11 assessing cranial nerve i olfactory cranial nerve ii optic. These tips cover all the basics for a comprehensive or complete nursing health assessment of the nervous system.