Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

During cerebellar function tests, which movement should the patient perform to assess coordination?

1. Scratch the inner thigh

2. Touch each finger rapidly using the thumb

3. Extend both arms upward

4. Stand still for balance

The correct answer is: Touch each finger rapidly using the thumb

The assessment of coordination is effectively illustrated through the task of touching each finger rapidly using the thumb. This particular movement evaluates the patient's fine motor coordination and the ability to perform rapid alternating movements, which are crucial functions of the cerebellum. The task requires dexterity and precise timing, enabling the clinician to assess the integrity of the cerebellar pathways and function. While the other movements have their relevance in neurological assessments—such as standing still for balance assessing postural stability or extending the arms upwards testing for drift—they do not specifically target the coordination aspect like the finger-to-thumb task does. The focus on rapid alternating movements highlights how well the motor pathways are functioning, which can reveal underlying cerebellar dysfunction if the patient struggles to perform the task smoothly.