The nurse notes that a patient with a head injury has a clear nasal drainage.What is the most appropriate nursing action for this finding?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clear nasal drainage after a head injury may indicate a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Testing the drainage for glucose with a Dextrostix or Tes-Tape can confirm whether the fluid is CSF or not. obtaining a specimen of the fluid for culture and sensitivity and taking the patient's temperature will not help in confirming the possibility of a CSF leak. Instructing the patient to blow his/her nose before checking the nares is not necessary and may cause harm if there is a CSF leak present.

The Nurse Notes That a Patient with a Head Injury