A nurse has received report on a client who has a basilar skull fracture. Which of the following findings should the nurse anticipate with this client?
Pooling of blood and edema around the eyes
Ability to recall how the injury occurred
Bruising over the mastoid process
Chvostek’s sign
The Correct Answer is A
A. Pooling of blood and edema around the eyes: Basilar skull fractures can lead to leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the surrounding tissues, resulting in periorbital ecchymosis, also known as raccoon eyes, due to pooling of blood and edema around the eyes. This finding is characteristic of basilar skull fractures and is caused by disruption of the meninges and subsequent CSF leakage into the soft tissues of the face.
B. Ability to recall how the injury occurred: Memory loss regarding the events surrounding the injury, known as post-traumatic amnesia, is common with basilar skull fractures. This amnesia occurs due to the impact of the injury on the brain and may involve retrograde amnesia (loss of memory of events leading up to the injury) and anterograde amnesia (loss of memory of events occurring after the injury).
C. Bruising over the mastoid process: Bruising over the mastoid process, known as Battle sign, is associated with basilar skull fractures. Battle sign results from blood accumulation (hematoma) in the mastoid region behind the ear due to fracture-related injury to the middle meningeal artery or other blood vessels. This finding typically develops 24-48 hours after the injury.
D. Chvostek’s sign: Chvostek's sign is a clinical manifestation of hypocalcemia, not basilar skull fractures. It is elicited by tapping the facial nerve (facial nerve spasm) and is indicative of neuromuscular irritability due to decreased calcium levels. Chvostek's sign is not directly related to basilar skull fractures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Answer: A. Ensuring that the client and their family are kept informed about the client's care
Rationale:
A. Ensuring that the client and their family are kept informed about the client's care:
This action is the priority because communication is vital in managing a client with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Keeping the client and their family informed can help them understand the seriousness of the condition, the plan of care, and potential outcomes. It also fosters trust and ensures that the family can make informed decisions regarding the client's care.
B. Being aware of the client's wishes regarding care:
While being aware of the client’s wishes is important, especially in critical conditions like MODS, the priority lies in ensuring ongoing communication about the client's current status and treatment. Understanding the client's wishes can guide care but should follow the immediate need for clear communication about the evolving situation.
C. Scheduling periods of rest for the client:
Rest is essential for recovery, particularly in clients with MODS, but scheduling rest periods is a part of implementing care rather than a primary action. It can be planned based on the client’s needs and condition but does not take precedence over ensuring that the family is informed.
D. Discussing the client's resting times with the family:
While involving the family in discussions about the client's care is beneficial, the immediate priority is to ensure they are fully informed about the overall condition and care plan. This discussion can occur after establishing a solid communication foundation regarding the client's status and care approach.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Severe myopia: Severe myopia, or nearsightedness, is not a typical manifestation of Meniere's disease. Meniere's disease primarily affects the inner ear and is characterized by symptoms related to balance and hearing rather than vision.
B. Vertigo: Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, which is a sensation of spinning or dizziness. Vertigo is a hallmark symptom of Meniere's disease and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear.
C. Anosmia: Anosmia refers to a loss of the sense of smell and is not typically associated with Meniere's disease. Meniere's disease primarily affects the vestibular system (balance) and auditory system (hearing) rather than the sense of smell.
D. Photopsia: Photopsia refers to the perception of flashes of light in the visual field and is not a typical manifestation of Meniere's disease. Meniere's disease primarily affects the inner ear and is not directly related to visual disturbances.
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