The nurse notices that a patient's palpebral fissures are not symmetric. On examination, the nurse may find that damage has occurred to which cranial nerve (CN)?

Question

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Facial muscles are mediated by CN VII; asymmetry of palpebral fissures may be attributable to damage to CN VII (Bell palsy). Cranial nerve V, the trigeminal nerve, mediates facial sensations of pain and touch. Cranial nerve XI is the spinal accessory nerve that innervates the sternomastoid and trapezius muscles of the neck. There is no cranial nerve XIII (only 12 cranial nerves).

The Nurse Notices That a Patient's Palpebral Fissures Are Not