Cranial nerve laceration is coded when which of the following is documented?

Cranial nerve laceration is most accurately coded when there is documentation of paralysis or total loss of function. This type of injury indicates a significant impact on the nerve's ability to convey signals, which is critical for proper coding and documentation of nerve injuries. A total loss of function provides clear evidence of the severity of the injury and confirms that the nerve is significantly affected. This level of dysfunction is essential for proper treatment planning and may influence the overall clinical approach to recovery and rehabilitation.

In contrast, partial sensation loss, mild discomfort, and swelling around the nerve denote less severe manifestations that may not accurately reflect the extent of a laceration. Such symptoms are often associated with less severe injuries that do not require the same level of coding specificity as paralysis or total loss of function does. Thus, when documenting cranial nerve injuries for coding purposes, the most critical information pertains to the full extent of functional loss, which solidifies the rationale for selecting paralysis or total loss of function as the correct answer.