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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Holding tube feeding 1 hour before and 2 hours after to avoid clumping is not a specific nursing intervention when administering Dilantin (phenytoin)1011.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring the patient for lethargy and drowsiness is important as these may indicate a high drug level of Dilantin (phenytoin), which can lead to toxicity.
Choice C rationale
Informing the patient that they may experience increased and large amounts of urinary output is not a specific nursing intervention when administering Dilantin (phenytoin)1011.
Choice D rationale
Advising the patient to use an extra soft toothbrush to avoid gum bleeding is a general recommendation for patients on anticoagulant therapy, not specifically for those taking Dilantin (phenytoin)1011.

A. Press down on the orbital area of the eye. B. Pinch the trapezius muscle. C. Use a 25 gauge needle. D. Elicit a reflex with a reflex hammer.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Pressing down on the orbital area of the eye is not typically used as it can cause injury to the eye.
Choice B rationale
Pinching the trapezius muscle is a common method used to elicit a response from a painful stimulus in an unresponsive patient. It is considered safe and effective.
Choice C rationale
Using a 25 gauge needle to elicit a response is not typically recommended as it can cause unnecessary harm to the patient.
Choice D rationale
Eliciting a reflex with a reflex hammer is not typically used to assess responsiveness to painful stimuli. Reflex hammers are primarily used to test reflexes, not responsiveness.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is B

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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?