Which of the following indicates a patient does not have signs of cranial nerve dysfunction?

The choice indicating no changes in speech suggests that the patient maintains normal function of the cranial nerves responsible for speech production. This includes cranial nerves such as the vagus (X), which innervates muscles involved in voice and resonance, and the glossopharyngeal (IX), which contributes to swallowing and the gag reflex. If there were signs of cranial nerve dysfunction, there might be slurred or altered speech patterns, indicating that normal function has been compromised. Therefore, the absence of changes in speech is a strong indicator that cranial nerve function is intact in this regard.

In contrast, increased eye tear production could suggest irritation or dysfunction of the lacrimal glands and potentially implicate cranial nerve VII, while clear nasal drainage might imply a functional or anatomical issue unrelated to cranial nerves, but not definitively indicate cranial nerve dysfunction. A feeling of ear fullness can be linked to dysfunction in cranial nerve VIII, which is responsible for balance and hearing, indicating that there is a potential issue. Thus, the indication of no changes in speech is the most accurate marker of the absence of cranial nerve dysfunction.