Which of the following cranial nerve functions is assessed with the help of a Weber test?

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

The Weber test is a standard clinical procedure for evaluating auditory function.
Hearing is the primary sensory function of the cochlear branch of the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is Cranial Nerve VIII.
The test specifically assesses for the lateralization of sound, which helps differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, thereby directly evaluating the integrity of CN VIII.

Option B: Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal) is primarily involved with swallowing, the gag reflex, and taste on the posterior part of the tongue.
Option C: Cranial Nerve VII (Facial) controls the muscles of facial expression and taste on the anterior part of the tongue.
Option D: Cranial Nerve X (Vagus) has extensive functions including swallowing, speech (phonation), and parasympathetic control of thoracic and abdominal organs.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Assessment of Cranial Nerve VIII (Vestibulocochlear) function using the Weber test as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Differentiating between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss is crucial for determining the correct management path, such as medication, surgery, hearing aids, or referral to an audiologist or ENT specialist.
The Weber test, along with the Rinne test, is a quick, non-invasive screening tool that can be performed at the bedside to guide further diagnostic workup for hearing complaints.
What if? - If a patient has conductive hearing loss in the right ear (e.g., due to earwax impaction), the Weber test sound will be heard louder in that right ear. Conversely, if they have sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear, the sound will be heard louder in the left (unaffected) ear.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Weber test'.
Recall the purpose of the Weber test. It is one of the two main tuning fork tests used to assess hearing.
Connect the function being tested (hearing) to the specific cranial nerve responsible for it.
Review the cranial nerves and their primary functions. Cranial Nerve VIII, the vestibulocochlear (or acoustic) nerve, is responsible for hearing and balance.
Select the option that correctly links the test to the nerve (Weber test → Hearing → CN VIII).
Eliminate the other options by recalling their primary functions, which are unrelated to hearing (e.g., CN VII for facial movement, CN IX for swallowing, CN X for gag reflex).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Assessment of Cranial Nerve VIII (Vestibulocochlear) function using the Weber test.
Stem keywords: cranial nerve functions, Weber test
Lead-in keywords: Which
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 2 p. 10-12

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 125-127

Practise the full DSSSB October 2024

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