What is a common expected sign of the trigeminal nerve in children and adolescents?

The detection of touch on the face with eyes closed is a common expected sign of the trigeminal nerve functioning properly in children and adolescents. The trigeminal nerve, or cranial nerve V, is responsible for providing sensation to the face, including the forehead, cheeks, and jaw area. This sensory capability allows individuals to feel light touch, pressure, pain, and temperature. By assessing the child's ability to detect touch while their eyes are closed, a healthcare provider can evaluate the sensory function associated with the trigeminal nerve. This test is particularly relevant in pediatric assessments as it informs clinicians about the integrity of the cranial nerve.

Other options represent different functions carried out by other cranial nerves or sensory systems rather than the trigeminal nerve specifically. For instance, the ability to identify smells is associated with the olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I), while the ability to taste saltiness relates to the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) and the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) responsible for taste perception. Similarly, recognition of facial expressions typically involves the facial nerve's motor function, which controls facial muscles rather than sensory information processed by the trigeminal nerve.