Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank - Physical Assessment Related

Review Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank - Physical Assessment related questions and content

During a neurologic assessment the nurse notes a patient has a unilateral dilated and nonreactive pupil. This is a sign that the patient is experiencing pressure on which cranial nerve?

  • A. I
  • B. II
  • C. III
  • D. IV
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The third cranial nerve runs parallel to the brainstem. The function of the oculomotor nerve is essential for eye movements. A traumatic brain injury can result in increased intracranial pressure, edema to the brainstem with pressure on cranial nerve III, causing the ominous sign of a unilateral, dilated, and nonreactive pupil.