When the nurse assesses the Cranial Nerve VII, which would the nurse ask the patient to perform? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Cranial Nerve VII (facial nerve) controls facial expression muscles. Asking the patient to smile tests the nerve’s motor function, specifically the zygomaticus muscles, which elevate the mouth corners, making this a correct assessment task for this nerve. Choice B reason: Closing eyes tightly assesses Cranial Nerve VII’s motor function, specifically the orbicularis oculi muscle, which closes the eyelids. Weakness or asymmetry indicates potential facial nerve dysfunction, making this a correct task for evaluating this nerve. Choice C reason: Shrugging shoulders tests Cranial Nerve XI (spinal accessory nerve), which innervates the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles. This action is unrelated to Cranial Nerve VII’s facial motor functions, making it an incorrect choice for this assessment. Choice D reason: Frowning assesses Cranial Nerve VII’s control over the corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles, which wrinkle the brow and depress the mouth. This task evaluates facial nerve function, making it a correct choice for the assessment. Choice E reason: Smelling a flower tests Cranial Nerve I (olfactory nerve), responsible for smell sensation. This is unrelated to Cranial Nerve VII’s motor functions for facial expressions, making it an incorrect task for assessing this nerve.