Which of the following tests assesses cranial nerve XI (accessory nerve)?

The correct choice focuses on assessing cranial nerve XI, also known as the accessory nerve. This nerve primarily innervates the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, which are responsible for important actions such as turning the head and shrugging the shoulders.

To specifically evaluate cranial nerve XI, a clinician may ask the patient to turn their head against resistance or to shrug their shoulders while the examiner applies downward pressure. The ability to perform these actions indicates the proper functioning of the accessory nerve and the muscles it controls.

In contrast, the other options are not related to cranial nerve XI. Rinne's test is used to evaluate hearing and is not relevant to the accessory nerve. Assessing facial symmetry pertains to the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), which controls muscles of facial expression. Swallowing ability relates to several cranial nerves, primarily the glossopharyngeal (cranial nerve IX) and vagus (cranial nerve X) nerves, rather than the accessory nerve.