A nurse is attending to a client who has suffered a basal skull fracture.
During the morning hygiene care, the nurse observes a thin clear drainage coming from the client’s right nostril.
What should be the nurse’s immediate action?
Inform the charge nurse.
Apply a dressing under the client’s nose.
Check the client’s temperature.
Test the drainage for glucose.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Informing the charge nurse is an important step, but it is not the immediate action. The nurse should first assess the situation before escalating it.
Choice B rationale
Applying a dressing under the client’s nose might help manage the drainage, but it does not address the underlying issue. The drainage could be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is a serious condition that needs immediate attention.
Choice C rationale
Checking the client’s temperature is a general assessment and does not directly relate to the symptom of clear nasal drainage.
Choice D rationale
Testing the drainage for glucose is the correct action. Clear nasal drainage after a basal skull fracture could be a sign of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. CSF contains glucose, so testing the drainage for glucose can help confirm if it’s CSF34.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Alendronate should be taken at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication of the day with plain water only. This is because other beverages (including mineral water), food, and some medications are likely to reduce the absorption of alendronate.
Choice B rationale
Alendronate should not be taken with milk. This is because the calcium in the milk can bind to the alendronate, preventing it from being absorbed into the body and therefore making it less effective. This is why the patient’s statement indicates a need for further instruction.
Choice C rationale
After taking alendronate, the patient should not lie down and should remain fully upright (sitting, standing, or walking) for at least 30 minutes. This is to help alendronate reach the stomach more quickly and also to reduce the risk of irritation to the esophagus. Therefore, sitting up and reading the morning paper after taking alendronate is a correct practice.
Choice D rationale
Regular bone density tests are necessary while taking alendronate. This is to monitor the drug’s effectiveness in increasing bone mass and to adjust the treatment plan as necessary. Therefore, the patient’s statement is correct.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While pain at the burn site can be a symptom of many conditions, it is not a specific indicator of a local infection in the burned area.
Choice B rationale
Edematous hands can be a sign of many conditions, including burns, but they are not a specific indicator of a local infection in the burned area.
Choice C rationale
A foul odor from the burned area is a strong indicator of a local infection. Bacteria and other microorganisms that cause infections can produce waste products that have a foul smell.
Choice D rationale
A temperature of 99.8 degrees Fahrenheit is within the normal body temperature range and is not a specific indicator of a local infection in the burned area.
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