The Nurse Is Assessing a 16-Year-Old Patient Who Has Suffered

The nurse is assessing a 16-year-old patient who has suffered head injuries from a recent motor vehicle accident. Which of these statements indicates the most important reason for assessing for any drainage from the ear canal?

A) The auditory canal may be occluded from increased cerumen.
B) If the drum has ruptured, then purulent drainage will result.
C) Bloody or clear watery drainage can indicate a basal skull fracture.
D) Foreign bodies from the accident may cause occlusion of the ear canal.