Question

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a brain tumor. Which of the following findings indicates cranial nerve involvement?

a) Unilateral weakness
b) Vision changes
c) Difficulty swallowing
d) Hearing loss

Answer 1

Vision changes and hearing loss are direct signs of potential cranial nerve involvement in a client with a brain tumor. Difficulty swallowing could also suggest cranial nerve impairment, while unilateral weakness is not specific to cranial nerve damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse collecting data from a client who has a brain tumor may find several indications of cranial nerve involvement. Among the options provided, vision changes, difficulty swallowing (which could indicate involvement of the glossopharyngeal or vagus nerves), and hearing loss (related to the vestibulocochlear nerve) are direct signs of potential cranial nerve impairment. Unilateral weakness could be a sign of involvement of the central nervous system but is not specific to cranial nerve damage. In contrast, vision changes, such as double or blurred vision, and hearing loss resulting from damage to the bones of the middle ear or to the cochlea, suggest specific cranial nerves could be affected. Additionally, testing for neurological function can often involve inspecting the oral cavity and pharynx which is related to the cranial nerves.