Physiological Adaptation NCLEX RN Questions Related

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What action should the nurse take to assess the pharyngeal reflex on a child?

  • A. Ask the client to swallow.
  • B. Pull down on the lower eyelid.
  • C. Shine a light toward the bridge of the nose.
  • D. Stimulate the back of the throat with a tongue depressor.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The pharyngeal (gag) reflex is tested by touching the back of the throat with an object, such as a tongue depressor. A positive response to this reflex is considered normal. Asking the client to swallow assesses the swallowing reflex. To assess the palpebral conjunctiva, the nurse would pull down and evert the lower eyelid. The corneal light reflex is tested by shining a penlight toward the bridge of the nose at a distance of 12 to 15 inches (light reflection should be symmetrical in both corneas).