Cranial Nerve 5 Examination Nursing | Trigeminal Nerve | Cranial Nerve V Assessment

Cranial nerve 5 exam: How to assess the trigeminal nerve during a nursing assessment.

In this video, I will demonstrate how to assess cranial nerve V using a few different techniques.

Cranial nerve 5 is responsible for sensations on our face, as well as motor functions like biting food.

To test sensation, I use a cotton ball and a sharp object. To make a sharp object, I cut a cotton swab in half at an angle. This will allow you to assess the three areas of the face where the trigeminal nerve branches off: the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular regions.

Next, you can check the reflex of the eyes by sticking a cotton ball into the cornea region of the eye. This should elicit a blink reaction in both eyes simultaneously.

Finally, you can check motor function by placing your hand under the jaw and asking the patient to open against resistance. In addition, you can grasp the lower jaw in your hand and ask the patient to move it side to side against resistance.

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