A nurse is preparing to perform a cranial nerve examination on a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to check cranial nerve 17

A. Cranial nerve VII (facial nerve) controls the motor function of facial muscles, including movements such as smiling, frowning, raising eyebrows, and closing the eyes tightly. Observing facial symmetry during these movements allows the nurse to assess for nerve damage. Asymmetry, drooping, or inability to perform these movements may indicate facial nerve injury, stroke, or Bell’s palsy. Cranial nerve VII also carries sensory fibers for taste on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and contributes to salivary and lacrimal gland function. B. Whispering in one ear while occluding the other evaluates cranial nerve VIII (vestibulocochlear nerve), which is responsible for hearing and balance. This test assesses auditory acuity and is unrelated to facial muscle movement. Dysfunction in cranial nerve VIII might present as hearing loss, vertigo, or imbalance, but it does not affect the ability to smile or show facial expressions. C. Identifying specific smells tests cranial nerve I (olfactory nerve), which is responsible for sense of smell. This sensory nerve does not control facial muscles or movements, so it is irrelevant when assessing cranial nerve VII. Impairments in cranial nerve I might present as anosmia (loss of smell) but would not cause facial weakness or asymmetry. D. Checking visual acuity with a Snellen chart assesses cranial nerve II (optic nerve), which is responsible for vision. Damage to cranial nerve II can result in partial or complete vision loss, visual field deficits, or blurred vision, but it does not affect facial muscle control or symmetry.