Hemiplegia is paralysis of one side of the body. What additional risk arises due to cranial nerve involvement?

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Prepare for the NCLEX with neurological disorders practice quizzes. Study with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations to enhance understanding and performance. Get ready to excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Hemiplegia is paralysis of one side of the body. What additional risk arises due to cranial nerve involvement?

Explanation:
Cranial nerves that control swallowing and airway protection are often affected when a stroke causes neurologic deficits like hemiplegia. When these nerves are impaired, the swallow reflex and gag reflex can be diminished, so food, saliva, or liquids may enter the airway more easily. This increases the risk of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia. The other options don’t directly reflect the immediate consequence of cranial nerve involvement—infection risk can be a downstream result, but the most specific added risk from cranial nerve impairment is aspiration.

Cranial nerves that control swallowing and airway protection are often affected when a stroke causes neurologic deficits like hemiplegia. When these nerves are impaired, the swallow reflex and gag reflex can be diminished, so food, saliva, or liquids may enter the airway more easily. This increases the risk of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia. The other options don’t directly reflect the immediate consequence of cranial nerve involvement—infection risk can be a downstream result, but the most specific added risk from cranial nerve impairment is aspiration.

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