Final answer:
The hypoglossal nerve is responsible for assessing if a patient can stick out their tongue and move it. If the nerve is impaired, the patient may experience difficulty with speech and swallowing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cranial nerve responsible for assessing if a patient can stick out their tongue and move it is the hypoglossal nerve. This nerve controls the muscles of the tongue, and if it is impaired, the patient may experience difficulty with speech and swallowing. To test the function of the hypoglossal nerve, the examiner will ask the patient to stick out their tongue, and if both hypoglossal nerves are working properly, the tongue will stick straight out. However, if there is damage on one side, the tongue will point towards that side, indicating a deficit.