Pediatric Research Questions Related

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The neurologist tests the 4th and 6th cranial nerves together by having a patient do which of the following?

  • A. Turn his head to the right and left
  • B. Say "ahhh"
  • C. Identify whispering in his ears
  • D. Follow his finger with his eyes
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The neurologist tests the 4th and 6th cranial nerves together by having a patient follow his finger with his eyes. The 4th cranial nerve (trochlear nerve) innervates the superior oblique muscle, which primarily moves the eye downward and outward. The 6th cranial nerve (abducens nerve) innervates the lateral rectus muscle, which primarily moves the eye laterally. Testing these cranial nerves simultaneously by asking the patient to follow the neurologist's finger helps assess the coordination and function of both of these nerves, which are important for eye movement control.