A nurse is assessing a client's cranial nerves as part of a neurological examination. Which action should the nurse take to assess cranial nerve IX?

A. Checking pupillary response to light assesses cranial nerve II (optic nerve). B. Observing for facial symmetry primarily assesses cranial nerves VII (facial nerve) and possibly V (trigeminal nerve). C. Testing for sense of smell assesses cranial nerve I (olfactory nerve). D. Eliciting the gag reflex assesses cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) and also cranial nerve X (vagus nerve), making it the correct action to assess cranial nerve IX.