A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who has a basilar skull fracture and serosanguineous nasal discharge following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as reliable for determining that the discharge is cerebrospinal fluid?
Papilledema.
Halo sign.
Racoon's eyes.
Elevated WBCs.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Papilledema refers to swelling of the optic disc in the eye, which can occur due to increased intracranial pressure. While it may be present in cases of basilar skull fracture, it is not a reliable finding for determining the discharge of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Choice B rationale:
The halo sign is a reliable finding for determining that the nasal discharge is cerebrospinal fluid. The halo sign is characterized by a ring of blood surrounded by a clear or yellowish fluid (CSF) on a dressing or tissue. This occurs because blood from the fracture mixes with the clear CSF, creating a distinct appearance.
Choice C rationale:
Racoon's eyes, also known as periorbital ecchymosis, is a term used to describe bruising around the eyes. While it can be seen in basilar skull fractures, it is not specific to cerebrospinal fluid leakage and, therefore, not reliable for identifying the nasal discharge as CSF.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated white blood cells (WBCs) in the nasal discharge can indicate infection, inflammation, or an immune response. However, it does not provide direct evidence that the discharge is cerebrospinal fluid, so this is not a reliable finding for determining the nature of the nasal discharge in this context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Answer: A
Rationale:
A) Place the client in a room with negative airflow: Disseminated herpes zoster (shingles) requires airborne precautions because the virus can become aerosolized. A room with negative airflow helps prevent the spread of the virus to other areas, protecting healthcare workers and other patients from infection.
B) Remove isolation gown after leaving the client's room: Isolation gowns should be removed before leaving the client's room to prevent the spread of contaminants to other areas. This intervention is important for infection control but is not specific to the requirement for negative airflow in cases of disseminated herpes zoster.
C) Apply ketoconazole to the lesions three times per day: Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication and is not used for treating herpes zoster, which is caused by a viral infection. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, are appropriate for treating herpes zoster lesions.
D) Provide the client with eye protection for ultraviolet B light therapy: Eye protection is necessary during UVB light therapy to protect the eyes, but UVB light therapy is not a standard treatment for disseminated herpes zoster. The priority intervention is to prevent the spread of the infection by using a negative airflow room.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Diplopia, or double vision, is a common manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, leading to various visual disturbances, including diplopia.
Choice B rationale:
A masklike expression is not associated with multiple sclerosis. This manifestation is more commonly seen in Parkinson's disease, not MS.
Choice C rationale:
Twitching of the face is not a typical manifestation of multiple sclerosis. Twitching or spasms are more commonly seen in conditions like hemifacial spasms or tic disorders.
Choice D rationale:
Agitation is not a specific manifestation of multiple sclerosis. MS symptoms primarily involve neurological deficits and not emotional disturbances like agitation.
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