Question

How do you assess the direct pupillary reflex?

Option 1: Shine light into one eye and observe both pupils
Option 2: Observe response when light is shone into the contralateral eye
Option 3: Assess eye movements
Option 4: Perform the corneal reflex test

Answer 1

To evaluate the direct pupillary reflex, shine light into one eye and observe both pupils for constriction. This allows for assessment of the optic and oculomotor nerves based on the pupils' responses.

Step-by-step explanation:

To assess the direct pupillary reflex, you would use Option 1: Shine light into one eye and observe both pupils. This test is done to evaluate whether the optic nerve or the oculomotor nerve is functioning properly. Shining light in one eye normally causes both the direct and consensual pupillary constriction due to the efferent limb of the pupillary light reflex being bilateral. If shining the light in one eye causes no change in the size of either pupil, but doing so in the other eye leads to a normal bilateral response, this indicates optic nerve damage on the side that does not respond. However, if stimulating either eye results in a response in only one eye, the problem is likely in the oculomotor system.