What should the nurse do first when a client with a head injury begins to have clear drainage from the nose?
Compress the nares.
Administer decongestant for postnasal drip.
Tilt the head back.
Collect the drainage.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Compressing the nares is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it may increase intracranial pressure and worsen the head injury.
Choice B Reason: Administering decongestant for postnasal drip is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it may mask the signs of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and delay diagnosis and treatment.
Choice C Reason: Tilting the head back is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it may cause aspiration of CSF or blood and increase the risk of infection.
Choice D Reason: Collecting the drainage is the first action that the nurse should take, as it helps to identify if the drainage is CSF or nasal secretions, and to monitor the amount and characteristics of the drainage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: The presence of edema in the external auditory canal is not a sign of cerumen impaction, but it may indicate other conditions such as otitis externa or allergic reaction.
Choice B Reason: A yellowish or brownish waxy material in the external auditory canal is a sign of cerumen impaction, as it shows that there is excess or hardened earwax that blocks the ear canal.
Choice C Reason: Redness and swelling of the tympanic membrane are not signs of cerumen impaction, but they may indicate other conditions such as otitis media or trauma.
Choice D Reason: An external auditory canal that is longer than normal is not a sign of cerumen impaction, but it may be a normal variation or a result of aging.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Compressing the nares is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it may increase intracranial pressure and worsen the head injury.
Choice B Reason: Administering decongestant for postnasal drip is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it may mask the signs of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and delay diagnosis and treatment.
Choice C Reason: Tilting the head back is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it may cause aspiration of CSF or blood and increase the risk of infection.
Choice D Reason: Collecting the drainage is the first action that the nurse should take, as it helps to identify if the drainage is CSF or nasal secretions, and to monitor the amount and characteristics of the drainage.
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