Final answer:
To assess the glossopharyngeal nerve function, the glossopharyngeal nerve function is assessed by administering taste stimuli to the tongue and eliciting a gag reflex by touching the lateral wall of the fauces.
Step-by-step explanation:
When checking a child's glossopharyngeal nerve function, a nurse would perform the data collection technique that involves testing the nerve's ability to convey taste sensations and to elicit the gag reflex. To assess taste, salty, sour, bitter, or sweet stimuli are introduced to either side of the tongue, expecting the child to respond before retracting the tongue. The glossopharyngeal nerve also relays sensations from the pharyngeal walls; thus, the nurse might use a tongue depressor to touch the lateral wall of the fauces to check for a gag reflex. An examination of the vagus nerve motor function may be performed by having the patient say repetitive consonant sounds. A nurse or doctor can observe the movements of the soft palate and arches between to further assess this motor function.