Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

What is the primary focus of the CN VIII examination?

1. Assessing facial symmetry

2. Testing for hearing and balance

3. Checking swallowing ability

4. Evaluating taste perception

The correct answer is: Testing for hearing and balance

The primary focus of examining cranial nerve VIII, also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve, is to assess both hearing and balance. This nerve is responsible for transmitting sound and equilibrium information from the inner ear to the brain. During the examination, specific tests are performed to evaluate auditory function, such as the Rinne and Weber tests, as well as balance assessments, which may involve observing the patient's responses to various positional movements. Hearing is typically evaluated through methods like whispered voice tests or audiometry, while balance can be assessed through clinical tests that measure the response to changes in position or stability, as balance is a crucial component in neurology. The key aspect is that the vestibulocochlear nerve plays an essential role in how we perceive sound and maintain equilibrium, making this focus particularly critical in clinical practice.