Which cranial nerve is assessed when the client puffs out both cheeks?

When a client puffs out both cheeks, the cranial nerve being assessed is the facial nerve. The facial nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression, which includes the ability to puff out the cheeks. This action engages the buccinator muscle located within the cheeks, which works to stabilize the cheeks during activities like eating and speaking.

The assessment of the facial nerve is crucial because any weakness or asymmetry in this function can indicate underlying neurological issues. For example, if one side of the face does not puff out as much as the other, it could be a sign of conditions such as Bell’s palsy or other forms of facial nerve dysfunction.

The other cranial nerves mentioned have different roles. The trigeminal nerve, for instance, primarily deals with sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing rather than facial expressions. The glossopharyngeal nerve is involved in swallowing and the gag reflex, whereas the vagus nerve is associated with various autonomic functions in the body but does not control facial movement. Thus, the puffing of the cheeks is specifically linked to the functionality of the facial nerve.