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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Is not suitable for a client who has undergone a mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection. This exercise may put a strain on the surgical site and cause discomfort or injury.
Choice B rationale:
Is also not appropriate for a postoperative mastectomy client. It involves using the left hand extensively, which could potentially disrupt the healing process and cause pain.
Choice C rationale:
Is not recommended for a postoperative mastectomy client. It involves significant upper body movement, which may not be well-tolerated after surgery, especially with lymph node dissection.
Choice D rationale:
This exercise is suitable for a postoperative mastectomy client as it helps in maintaining hand and arm mobility without putting excessive strain on the surgical site. It also aids in preventing complications like lymphedema, which is a potential concern after lymph node dissection.

A. A 23-year-old client who is in skeletal traction. B. A 67-year-old client who has coronary artery disease. C. A 32-year-old client who has a spinal cord injury. D. A 55-year-old client who has emphysema.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

A 23-year-old client in skeletal traction may be at risk of pressure injuries, but being young and presumably healthier than the other options, this client may have a lower risk compared to the other choices.

Choice B rationale:

A 67-year-old client with coronary artery disease may be at risk of pressure injuries, especially if the client has limited mobility or is bedridden. However, coronary artery disease alone does not significantly increase the risk of pressure injuries.

Choice C rationale:

A 32-year-old client with a spinal cord injury is most at risk of developing a pressure injury. Spinal cord injuries often result in paralysis or limited mobility, leading to prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body, which can cause pressure ulcers.

Choice D rationale:

A 55-year-old client with emphysema may have compromised lung function, but this alone does not significantly increase the risk of pressure injuries. Pressure injuries are primarily related to immobility and pressure on specific body areas.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is postoperative following a mastectomy of the left breast with axillary lymph node dissection. Which of the following exercises should the nurse instruct the client to start on the first postoperative day?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for several clients who are at risk of developing a pressure injury. Which of the following clients is most at risk?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has a pulmonary embolism and is receiving therapy with unfractionated heparin. Which of the following laboratory results indicates that the therapy is effective?

A nurse is teaching a client who has schizophrenia a new prescription for lurasidone. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?(Select all that apply.).

A nurse is providing teaching to a female client who has herpes simplex virus type 2. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who has dysphagia following a stroke. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce the risk of aspiration?

A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving IV fat emulsion therapy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of fat overload syndrome?

A nurse is preparing a client for discharge who was admitted for diabetic ketoacidosis. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

A nurse is assessing a client's understanding of a surgical procedure prior to witnessing their signature on the informed consent form. The nurse determines that the client does not understand what the procedure will involve. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for diagnostic thoracentesis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when assisting with this test?