Can facial nerve palsy lead to ectropion?

Facial nerve palsy can indeed lead to ectropion, which is the outward turning of the eyelid. This occurs because the facial nerve controls the muscles of facial expression, including those that maintain the position of the eyelids. When the facial nerve is affected, as seen in conditions like Bell's palsy, the muscles may weaken or become paralyzed, causing the eyelid to droop and potentially lead to ectropion.

In patients with facial nerve palsy, the inability to properly close the eye can cause the lower eyelid to sag or turn outward, exposing the inner surface of the eyelid and potentially leading to complications such as dryness or conjunctivitis. Thus, recognizing the relationship between facial nerve function and eyelid positioning is crucial for understanding the pathophysiology behind ectropion associated with facial nerve palsy. This link explains why the choice indicating the association with Bell palsy is correct, as it highlights an important clinical relationship in medical-surgical nursing practice.