A patient with a traumatic brain injury is leaking clear fluid from the nose. What action should the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The clear fluid leaking from the nose could be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), indicating a skull fracture. Collecting the fluid with gauze can help in testing it for CSF, which is important for diagnosis and further management. Applying pressure, suctioning, or inserting a plug could potentially worsen the injury or increase intracranial pressure.

A Patient with a Traumatic Brain Injury Is Leaking Clear