A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who has a nasal fracture. Which of the following findings should cause the nurse to suspect a skull fracture?

A. Active range-of-motion exercises are not appropriate for a child with increased intracranial pressure and decreased level of consciousness, as they may increase intracranial pressure.

B. Maintaining the head at a midline position helps promote proper cerebral perfusion and reduces the risk of further increases in intracranial pressure.

C. Frequent suctioning of the airway can stimulate the gag reflex and increase intracranial pressure. Suctioning should only be done as needed to maintain a clear airway.

D. Neurological checks should be performed more frequently than every 4 hours in a child with increased intracranial pressure and decreased level of consciousness, ideally at least every hour or as indicated by the child's condition.

A. This response may come across as confrontational and could potentially shut down further communication. It's important to offer support and empathy rather than immediately probing with questions.

B. While saying, "You can trust me and tell me what you are thinking," may foster trust, it is too vague and does not focus on assessing the client’s level of suicidal ideation or intent. Effective responses should prioritize safety by exploring specific details about the client’s thoughts.

C. "I need to know what you mean by misery" focuses on understanding the client’s emotional state but does not address the immediate concern of suicidal thoughts. While exploring the client’s feelings is important, it is secondary to assessing imminent risk.

D. Asking, "Do you have a plan to end your life?" is appropriate because it directly assesses the client’s risk for suicide. Determining whether the client has a specific plan, the means to carry it out, and intent to act is essential for evaluating the severity of the situation and implementing safety measures.