Dysphagia in a client with a brain tumor indicates possible involvement of which cranial nerves?

• A. II and III
• B. IX and X
• C. I and II
• D. VI and VII

Answer: (B)

Dysphagia signals disruption of the nerves that coordinate swallowing, especially those supplying the pharynx and larynx. The glossopharyngeal nerve (IX) provides sensation to the oropharynx and motor to part of the pharynx, while the vagus nerve (X) controls most pharyngeal and all laryngeal muscles involved in swallowing and also carries sensory input from the laryngopharynx. When a brain tumor affects these nerves, swallowing becomes impaired, leading to dysphagia.

The other nerve pairs listed don’t primarily control swallowing: they’re mainly involved in vision (optic and oculomotor) or facial movements, not the pharynx or larynx. In clinical terms, involvement of IX and X best explains dysphagia in this context.