NCLEX RN Practice Exam Related

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The nurse is performing a neurological assessment on a client admitted with TIAs. Assessment findings reveal an absence of the gag reflex. The nurse suspects injury to:

  • A. XII (hypoglossal)
  • B. X (vagus)
  • C. IX (glossopharyngeal)
  • D. VII (facial)
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The vagus nerve (X) innervates the pharynx and is responsible for the gag reflex, so its injury would cause an absent gag reflex.