1.
A male client with Bell’s palsy asks the nurse what has caused this problem. The nurse’s response is based on an understanding that the cause is:
Correct Answer
A. Unknown, but possibly includes ischemia, viral infection, or an autoimmune problem
Explanation
Bell’s palsy is a one-sided facial paralysis from compression of the facial nerve. The exact cause is unknown, but may include vascular ischemia, infection, exposure to viruses such as herpes zoster or herpes simplex, autoimmune disease, or a combination of these factors.
2.
The nurse has given the male client with Bell’s palsy instructions on preserving muscle tone in the face and preventing denervation. The nurse determines that the client needs additional information if the client states that he or she will:
Correct Answer
A. Exposure to cold and drafts
Explanation
Prevention of muscle atrophy with Bell’s palsy is accomplished with facial massage, facial exercises, and electrical stimulation of the nerves. Exposure to cold or drafts is avoided. Local application of heat to the face may improve blood flow and provide comfort.
3.
The nurse is aware that Bell’s palsy affects which cranial nerve?
Correct Answer
D. 7th CN (Facial)
Explanation
Bells’ palsy is the paralysis of the motor component of the 7th caranial nerve, resulting in facial sag, inability to close the eyelid or the mouth, drooling, flat nasolabial fold and loss of taste on the affected side of the face.
4.
Which of the following diseases has not been directly linked with Bell's palsy?
Correct Answer
D. Alzheimer's disease
Explanation
Bell's palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. It is believed to be caused by inflammation of the facial nerve, but the exact cause is still unknown. While AIDS, diabetes, and Lyme disease have been directly linked with Bell's palsy, there is no direct link between Bell's palsy and Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, and it does not typically cause facial paralysis.
5.
Bell’s palsy is a disorder of which cranial nerve?
Correct Answer
A. Facial (VII)
Explanation
Bell’s palsy is characterized by facial dysfunction, weakness, and paralysis. Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder of the trigeminal nerve and causes facial pain.Meniere’s syndrome is a disorder of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a disorder of the vagus nerve.
6.
When the nurse performs a neurologic assessment on Anne Jones, her pupils are dilated and don’t respond to light.
Correct Answer
B. Damage to the third cranial nerve
Explanation
The third cranial nerve (oculomotor) is responsible for pupil constriction. When there is damage to the nerve, the pupils remain dilated and don’t respond to light. Glaucoma, lumbar spine injury, and Bell’s palsy won’t affect pupil constriction.
7.
Bell's palsy is a form of facial paralysis caused by a dysfunction of the 8th cranial nerve.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Bell's palsy results from a dysfunction of the 7th or facial cranial nerve.
8.
Bell's palsy can be associated with arm and leg weakness and difficulty finding the right words.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
These signs indicate a stroke and if present the patient needs urgent medical attention.
9.
Oral steroids may help reduce the symptoms of a Bell's Palsy.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Oral steroids can improve outcome but need to be given early after the onset of symptoms.
10.
Bilateral Bell's palsy can occur.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This will result in total facial paralysis but it is very rare.
11.
Failure of the eye to close properly can occur, which may result in damage to the cornea.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
To try and avoid corneal damage the lid can be taped shut at night and eye drops used to lubricate the eye.