Cranial Nerves Assessment
Cranial Nerve V: Trigeminal
The nurse tests all three branches of the trigeminal nerve. Ophthalmic branch – forehead; maxillary branch – cheek; mandibular branch – jaw. Using an object that has sharp and blunt aspects (a safety pin), the nurse asks the client to indicate whether the sensation is sharp or dull and then repeats the process. The motor aspect can be tested with the eyes open. The nurse palpates the jaw muscles for strength and equality.
Cranial Nerve VI: Abducens
Cranial nerve VI control lateral eye movement. Together with cranial nerves III and IV, cranial verve VI is tested by checking the six cardinal positions of gaze.