The nurse is assessing a patient experiencing COVID-19 who reports anorexia due to a decreased sense of smell and taste. Which cranial nerve is likely affected? Select all that apply.

A. Cranial nerve I: The olfactory nerve is responsible for the sense of smell, which is often acutely impaired in viral infections like COVID-19. Anosmia or hyposmia significantly contributes to a perceived loss of flavor and subsequent anorexia. This is a primary sensory deficit reported by patients. B. Cranial nerve III: The oculomotor nerve controls most extraocular muscle movements, pupil constriction, and eyelid elevation. It has no functional role in the perception of smell or taste. Its impairment would result in ptosis or diplopia rather than a loss of appetite. C. Cranial nerve VII: The facial nerve provides sensory innervation for taste to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Viral impact on this nerve causes ageusia or dysgeusia, diminishing the enjoyment of food. It is one of the three nerves responsible for the gustatory pathway. D. Cranial nerve IX: The glossopharyngeal nerve mediates taste sensation for the posterior third of the tongue and the pharynx. Dysfunction of this nerve further compromises the patient's ability to perceive distinct flavors. It works alongside the facial nerve to provide comprehensive taste data. E. Cranial nerve XII: The hypoglossal nerve is a purely motor nerve that controls the movements of the tongue for speech and swallowing. While it is involved in the mechanical handling of food, it does not transmit sensory taste signals. It is not associated with the loss of gustatory perception.