Will a patient with Bell's Palsy be able to close their eye on the affected side?

Prepare for the Mark Klimek Blue Book Part 1 Exam. Study with multiple choice questions, flashcards, and comprehensive explanations. Get ready for your nursing exam!

A patient with Bell's Palsy experiences temporary paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face due to inflammation of the facial nerve. This can significantly impact the ability to perform voluntary actions such as closing the eye on the affected side.

The primary reason a person with Bell's Palsy will not be able to close their eye on the affected side is due to weakness in the muscles that control eyelid movement. Specifically, the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is responsible for closing the eye, is impacted, leading to an inability to blink or close the eye completely. This can result in exposure keratitis, where the eye becomes dry and at risk of injury since the protective mechanism of blinking is compromised.

While attempts may be made to close the eye using other muscles or with effort, the paralysis makes it difficult for the individual to achieve a complete or normal close without assistance. Therefore, stating that a patient with Bell's Palsy will not be able to close their eye on the affected side is accurate.

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