stroke symptoms

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if a patient has a right sided stroke and exhibits left-sided weakness, if he was to stick out his tongue for an evaluation of cranial nerve XII, the hypoglossal nerve, and considering that muscles only contract, what side of the mouth would the tongue stick out?

Thanks for any input

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

If this is a homework question and you are asking for the answer, you won't find it here. Instead post what you have researched or what you think the answer is and your rationale and you will get more than enough help to get the correct answer.

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It is not a homework question but some over thinkers preparing for a skills competency. The instructor told us to have the client stick out his tongue for a neuro assessment. I think if there is a right sided stroke symptoms show up on the left. The tongue will deviate to the left due to unopposed action of left muscles. Another person said that since muscles only contract, the tongue would go to the right because there is only right sided strength.

I can't find this kind of detail anywhere

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If there is damage to cranial nerve XII when the pt sticks out their tongue it will drift towards the weak side.

I work on a post-CVA unit, I know how confusing a stroke assessment can get! Here is a link that might help you in regards to Stroke Assessment:

Dear Nurses - STROKE SERIES - ASSESSMENT IN THE CLINICAL SETTING

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nice resource, ovc1. thanks.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I agree.....nice site!!!

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