Skin color that lacks the red-pink tones from decreased hemoglobin in blood is best described as:

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).

Choice A rationale

While individuals aged 19 to 30 years are generally at a lower risk for malignant melanoma compared to older adults, melanoma can still occur at any age, especially with certain risk factors. However, age alone does not significantly increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma without additional risk factors.

Choice B rationale

Hair color has minimal impact on the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Although individuals with fair skin and light hair have a higher risk of sunburn and subsequent melanoma, having dark hair does not significantly reduce the risk compared to other factors.

Choice C rationale

Female gender does not inherently increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Both males and females are at risk, although certain lifestyle factors and behaviors, such as sun exposure, can influence individual risk levels regardless of gender.

Choice D rationale

A history of repeated sunburn significantly increases the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunburns causes DNA damage in skin cells, leading to mutations that can result in melanoma. Repeated sunburns exacerbate this risk, making it a critical factor in melanoma development.