The client presents with unilateral facial paralysis and the nurse suspects Bell's palsy. Which of the following statement by the nurse to the client may indicate that the nurse requires further education about Bell's palsy?

Question

1. "This may have occurred as a result of a viral infection.".
2. "This will probably disappear on its own in several weeks.".
3. "The onset of Bell's palsy is very slow and the effects can linger for several months.".
4. "Your cranial nerve VII is not functioning appropriately.".

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: Bell's palsy is believed to occur as a result of viral infection.
Rationale 2: The condition usually resolves spontaneously after several weeks.
Rationale 3: The onset is sudden and there aren't lingering effects after the condition resolves in several weeks after onset.
Rationale 4: Cranial nerve VII is not functioning appropriately as a result of the viral infection. This results in the unilateral facial paralysis associated with the condition.