Question

You examine a 29-year-old woman who has a sudden onset of right sided facial asymmetry. She is unable to close her right eyelid tightly, frown, or smile on the affected side. Her exam is otherwise unremarkable. This presentation likely represents paralysis of CN:

A: lll
B. lV
C. Vll
D. Vlll

Answer 1

This patient likely has paralysis of the facial nerve (CN VII), which is causing facial asymmetry and inability to close the eye and smile on the right side of the face. The examiner asks the patient to try a second time to assess the strength of the affected muscles. This question is in the field of Medicine at an Advanced Placement (AP) level.

Step-by-step explanation:

This patient's presentation likely represents paralysis of CN VII, the facial nerve. The facial nerve controls the muscles of facial expression, so when there is damage or paralysis of the facial nerve, it can result in facial asymmetry, difficulty closing the eye on the affected side, and inability to smile or frown on that side of the face. The examiner asks the patient to try a second time to evaluate the strength of the muscles involved in facial expression. By asking the patient to try a second time, the examiner can assess whether the weakness or lack of movement is due to paralysis or muscle fatigue. In summary, this question relates to the field of Medicine and is at an Advanced Placement (AP) level.