The nurse is assessing the cranial nerves. To assess cranial nerve XII, what should the nurse ask the patient to do?

A) Say "ahh".
B) Stick out tongue.
C) Smile and then frown.
D) Follow the nurses fingers through the six cardinal positions of gaze.

Cranial nerve XII is the hypoglossal nerve. To assess its function, the nurse should ask the patient to stick out his or her tongue and observe for the location (midline is normal) and any fasiculations. Having the patient say "ahh" assesses cranial nerve IX, having the patient smile and frown is assessing cranial nerve VII, and having the patient follow the nurses fingers through the six cardinal positions of gaze assesses cranial nerves III, IV, and VI.