Fitzgerald Health Education Associates, Inc., February 2016 fhea.com
11
I
am concerned about the portion of
the NP certification examination that
will address detailed assessment of
the neurological system, particularly
the cranial nerves. What's the best way
to study this material?
As you prepare for your certification ex-
am, make sure you take a close look at
the information your certifying agency
provides about the test's content. Well-
honed physical assessment skills are im-
portant to safe, competent, entry-level
NP practice, and the certification exams
reflect this by dedicating a significant
portion of each test to this area.
Many certification exam candidates
feel quite confident of physical assess-
ment skills they have used often in RN
practice, such as evaluation of the respi-
ratory or cardiac systems. Other areas,
such as detailed assessment of the neu-
rological system, have not been as well
developed.
This column presents information and
practice questions to use in honing your
neurological assessment skills, particular-
ly in assessing the cranial nerves.
Cranial Nerve Mnemonic
A commonly used mnemonic for identify-
ing and remembering the cranial nerves is:
On Old Olympus' Towering Tops, A Finn
And German Viewed Some Hops. The de-
tails of the cranial nerves are as follows:
• CN I–Olfactory: You have one nose,
which is where CN I resides. Its function
contributes to the sense of smell.
• CN II–Optic: You have two eyes, where
you will find CN II. The function of this
Certification Q&A;
Continued on page 13
Hone Your Skills in Cranial Nerve
Assessment
Margaret A. Fitzgerald, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, FAANP, CSP, FAAN, DCC, FNAP