Question

a client has damage to the sensory root of the facial nerve (vii). which symptom matches this information?
inability to swallow
inability to taste
inability to smell
inability to elevate the mandible

Explanation:

The facial nerve (VII) has a sensory component related to taste. Specifically, it is involved in the sense of taste for the anterior two - thirds of the tongue.

• The glossopharyngeal nerve (IX) is more related to the posterior one - third of the tongue's taste and some aspects of swallowing.
• The olfactory nerve (I) is responsible for the sense of smell.
• The muscles for mandible elevation are mainly innervated by the trigeminal nerve (V) (masseter, temporalis etc.).

Answer:

Inability to taste