A nurse is assessing a patient who was hit at the base of the skull with a blunt instrument causing a skull fracture. What assessment finding does this nurse anticipate during the inspection?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clear drainage from the ear and nose may occur after a basilar skull fracture. The clear drainage may be cerebrospinal fluid. Tinnitus, vertigo, and dizziness are subjective and gathered during the history rather than inspection. Although the patient may report having dizziness or vertigo, the finding of tinnitus is inconsistent with a basilar skull fracture. Loss of hearing and smell is inconsistent with a basilar skull fracture. Purulent drainage is inconsistent with a basilar skull fracture, and bloody drainage usually does not come from the nose, but may be seen from the ear.

A Nurse Is Assessing a Patient Who Was Hit at the Base