A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who has a basilar skull fracture and serosanguineous nasal discharge following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as reliable for determining that the discharge is cerebrospinal fluid?
Papilledema.
Halo sign.
Racoon's eyes.
Elevated WBCs.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Papilledema refers to swelling of the optic disc in the eye, which can occur due to increased intracranial pressure. While it may be present in cases of basilar skull fracture, it is not a reliable finding for determining the discharge of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Choice B rationale:
The halo sign is a reliable finding for determining that the nasal discharge is cerebrospinal fluid. The halo sign is characterized by a ring of blood surrounded by a clear or yellowish fluid (CSF) on a dressing or tissue. This occurs because blood from the fracture mixes with the clear CSF, creating a distinct appearance.
Choice C rationale:
Racoon's eyes, also known as periorbital ecchymosis, is a term used to describe bruising around the eyes. While it can be seen in basilar skull fractures, it is not specific to cerebrospinal fluid leakage and, therefore, not reliable for identifying the nasal discharge as CSF.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated white blood cells (WBCs) in the nasal discharge can indicate infection, inflammation, or an immune response. However, it does not provide direct evidence that the discharge is cerebrospinal fluid, so this is not a reliable finding for determining the nature of the nasal discharge in this context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
the correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that develops in basal cells, a type of cell within the skin that produces new skin cells1.One of the common symptoms of BCC is a pearly white, skin-colored or pink bump1.This can also appear as a shiny or pearly nodule with a smooth surface2.Therefore, a pearly, waxy nodule is a characteristic lesion of basal cell carcinoma
Choice B rationale: An irregular border on a variegated-colored lesion is more commonly associated with melanoma, another type of skin cancer, rather than basal cell carcinoma1.While BCC can have a variety of appearances, an irregular border on a variegated-colored lesion is not typically characteristic of BCC
Choice C rationale: A firm, nodular, crusty, or ulcerated lesion can be a sign of several types of skin conditions, including squamous cell carcinoma, another type of skin cancer1.While BCC can sometimes appear as a firm nodule1, the description of a crusty or ulcerated lesion is not as characteristic of BCC as a pearly, waxy nodule
Choice D rationale: A weeping vesicle is not typically associated with basal cell carcinoma1.BCC lesions are more likely to appear as a shiny bump or nodule, or a flat, scaly patch1.A weeping vesicle could be indicative of a different skin condition
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Providing pin care when the client is 4 hours postoperative is not appropriate. The client has just undergone skeletal traction placement, and pin care is usually initiated after 24 hours to allow for initial wound healing.
Choice B rationale:
Removing the weights from the traction while repositioning the client in bed is unsafe and not recommended. The weights should remain in place to provide continuous traction and alignment for the fractured hip.
Choice C rationale:
Assessing the client's circulation every 4 hours is essential to monitor for any signs of impaired circulation, such as swelling, pallor, or decreased pulses. Early detection of circulatory compromise is critical to prevent complications like compartment syndrome.
Choice D rationale:
Requesting the client to perform ankle exercises on the affected extremity is not appropriate after skeletal traction placement. Ankle exercises could disrupt traction and hinder the healing process of the fractured hip.
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