While taking a history, the nurse observes that the patient's facial cranial nerves (CN VII) are intact based on which behaviors of the patient?

Choice A rationale

While the upper outer quadrant can be prone to injury and calcifications, this is not the primary reason for its importance in breast examinations. Calcifications can occur in various parts of the breast and are often detected through mammography rather than physical examination.

Choice B rationale

Suspensory ligaments, also known as Cooper's ligaments, provide structural support to the breast. They attach to the skin and the underlying pectoral fascia. However, these ligaments are distributed throughout the breast and are not confined to the upper outer quadrant.

Choice C rationale

The upper outer quadrant is not the largest quadrant of the breast. All quadrants have relatively similar sizes. Therefore, the size of the quadrant is not the reason for its importance in breast examinations.

Choice D rationale

The upper outer quadrant of the breast is the most common location for breast tumors. This is because a significant portion of the breast tissue, including the axillary tail (an extension of breast tissue into the armpit), is located in this quadrant. Therefore, careful examination of this area is crucial for early detection of breast cancer.

Choice A rationale

The sides of the mouth being symmetric when the patient smiles indicate intact function of the facial cranial nerve (CN VII). This nerve controls the muscles responsible for facial expressions, including smiling, frowning, and closing the eyes. Symmetry in these actions suggests that the facial nerve is functioning properly and that there is no nerve damage or weakness.

Choice B rationale

The patient's eyes moving to the left, right, up, down, and obliquely during conversation are functions of the oculomotor nerve (CN III), trochlear nerve (CN IV), and abducens nerve (CN VI), not the facial cranial nerve (CN VII). These nerves work together to control the movements of the eye muscles, enabling the eyes to move in different directions and maintain proper alignment.

Choice C rationale

Periodic blinking of the eyelids involves the oculomotor nerve (CN III) and the facial nerve (CN VII). The oculomotor nerve controls the muscles that lift the eyelid, while the facial nerve controls the muscles that close the eyelid. Blinking is a coordinated action involving both nerves, but the observation alone is not sufficient to determine the integrity of CN VII.

Choice D rationale

The patient moistening the lips with the tongue involves the function of the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII), which controls the movements of the tongue. The hypoglossal nerve is responsible for the motor control of most of the tongue muscles, allowing for actions like licking the lips, speaking, and swallowing. It is not related to the facial cranial nerve (CN VII).