Health Promotion and MaintenanceQuestion 1630 of 2368
The nurse touches the back of a client's throat with a tongue blade to check the gag reflex. Which cranial nerves are being assessed?
- Facial and trigeminal
- Hypoglossal and spinal accessory
- Glossopharyngeal and vagus
- Oculomotor and abducens
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Correct answer: Glossopharyngeal and vagus
The glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves work together for the gag and swallowing response.
Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Neurological Assessment: Cranial Nerve X – Vagus. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Health Promotion and Maintenance"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026