Final answer:
The olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I) is assessed when a patient is asked to sniff a familiar scent, such as coffee or mint, which is a test to check for proper functioning of the olfactory system.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is asked to sniff a familiar scent, the cranial nerve being assessed is the olfactory nerve, which is the first cranial nerve (cranial nerve I). This test is part of the cranial nerve exam focused on evaluating the olfactory system. If the patient is able to recognize smells such as coffee or mint, it suggests that the olfactory nerve is functioning properly. Loss of smell, known as anosmia, can result from several causes, including head trauma or aging. While the olfactory nerve can regenerate to some extent, severe injuries, like those from a motor vehicle accident, may lead to a more permanent loss of smell if the nerve fibers are completely sheared and unable to re-establish connections to the olfactory bulb.
The cranial nerve being assessed when a patient is asked to sniff a familiar scent is the olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I).
The olfactory nerve is responsible for the sense of smell. When a familiar scent is presented, the olfactory receptors in the nose send signals to the brain, allowing the person to recognize and interpret the smell.
If a patient is unable to correctly identify or recognize a familiar scent, it may indicate dysfunction or damage to the olfactory nerve.