Bell's palsy is known as —?

Appeared in: CIP Ranchi 2023

Explanation

Bell's palsy is the most common type of acute, unilateral facial paralysis, directly matching the definition.
The condition is caused by inflammation and compression of the 7th cranial nerve (the facial nerve), which controls the muscles of facial expression.
This nerve dysfunction leads to the characteristic weakness or paralysis of muscles on one side of the face, resulting in drooping of the mouth and inability to close the eye.

Option A: A tumor is a potential secondary cause of facial paralysis due to nerve compression, but Bell's palsy is specifically defined as idiopathic (of unknown cause).
Option B: A fracture causing nerve damage is a traumatic facial palsy. Bell's palsy is non-traumatic and inflammatory in nature.
Option D: While viral infections (often associated with a 'cold') are a common trigger for the inflammation, the 'cold' itself is not the condition. The condition is the resulting paralysis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition and characteristics of Bell's Palsy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The priority nursing intervention for a patient with Bell's palsy is protecting the affected eye from dryness and injury (corneal abrasion) since the eyelid cannot close completely.
Nurses play a key role in providing psychosocial support, as the sudden and dramatic change in facial appearance can be very distressing for the patient.
What if? If a patient presents with bilateral (both sides) facial paralysis, the diagnosis is unlikely to be Bell's palsy. This presentation would prompt investigation for other conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome, sarcoidosis, or Lyme disease.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key term in the question: 'Bell's palsy'.
Recall the fundamental definition of this condition. It is a neurological disorder affecting a specific cranial nerve.
Evaluate the options. 'Facial paralysis' is a direct description of the main symptom and definition of Bell's palsy.
Eliminate the other options by differentiating them. 'Tumor' and 'Fracture' are potential causes of facial paralysis but are not Bell's palsy itself. 'Cold' refers to a common viral trigger, not the resulting neurological condition.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QBkkjzu-6XDs4ouMEuDb_1

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1714-1716

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 pp. 1459-1461, 1458-1460

Practise the full CIP Ranchi 2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.