The nurse observes drainage from a client's ears after a head injury, and suspects a cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leak. Which description of the fluid supports the nurse's suspicion?

Question

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A CSF leak is characterized by clear, colorless fluid that may be draining from the ears or nose following a head injury. The other options are not typical of CSF leakage. Yellow fluid without sediment could indicate an infection or pus, blood-tinged fluid without sediment may indicate a head injury with bleeding, and pink fluid without sediment could indicate a nosebleed or other injury to the nasal cavity.

The Nurse Observes Drainage from a Client's Ears After a Head