A nurse is attending to a client who has suffered a basal skull fracture.

During the morning hygiene care, the nurse observes a thin clear drainage coming from the client’s right nostril.

What should be the nurse’s immediate action?

Inform the charge nurse.

Apply a dressing under the client’s nose.

Check the client’s temperature.

Test the drainage for glucose.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
Informing the charge nurse is an important step, but it is not the immediate action. The nurse should first assess the situation before escalating it.
Choice B rationale
Applying a dressing under the client’s nose might help manage the drainage, but it does not address the underlying issue. The drainage could be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is a serious condition that needs immediate attention.
Choice C rationale
Checking the client’s temperature is a general assessment and does not directly relate to the symptom of clear nasal drainage.
Choice D rationale
Testing the drainage for glucose is the correct action. Clear nasal drainage after a basal skull fracture could be a sign of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. CSF contains glucose, so testing the drainage for glucose can help confirm if it’s CSF34.

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 B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A regular diet would be too heavy for a patient who had gastric bypass surgery the day before.
Choice B rationale
A clear liquid diet is typically recommended for patients who had gastric bypass surgery the day before. This diet includes broths and unsweetened juices.
Choice C rationale
A full liquid diet may be introduced after a few days post-surgery, not the day after.
Choice D rationale
A mechanical soft diet is typically introduced weeks after surgery, not the day after.

A. Contractures B. Fluid imbalance C. Airway obstruction D. Infection .

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Contractures, or the shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, can be a complication of burns. However, they are not typically the primary risk for a patient with burns on the head, neck, and chest.
Choice B rationale
While fluid imbalance can occur with any burn due to loss of fluid from the damaged skin, it is not typically the primary risk for a patient with burns on the head, neck, and chest.
Choice C rationale
Airway obstruction is a primary risk for a patient with burns on the head, neck, and chest. Swelling from the burns can lead to obstruction of the airway, making it difficult for the patient to breathe.
Choice D rationale
While infection is a risk with any burn, it is not typically the primary risk for a patient with burns on the head, neck, and chest. The primary risk is airway obstruction due to swelling from the burns.

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 is attending to a client who has suffered a basal skull fracture. During the morning hygiene care, the nurse observes a thin clear drainage coming from the client’s right nostril. What should be the nurse’s immediate action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nursing assistant is delivering patient meals. What meal should the nurse expect to be delivered to a patient who had gastric bypass surgery the day before?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with partial-thickness and full-thickness burns on the head, neck, and chest. What is the primary risk to the client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is about to administer 1 liter (1000 mL) of 0.9% NS over 2 hours intravenously to a patient in shock. What rate should the nurse set on the infusion pump?

A client with a spinal cord injury is at risk for experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse carefully monitor the client for?

A nurse is educating a client newly diagnosed with hepatitis C. Which statement from the nurse best describes how the virus is transmitted?

A nurse leader is discussing possible continuing education opportunities with other staff members. Which of the following actions should the nurse leader recommend to maintain clinical competence?

The nurse is caring for an 85-year-old patient with septic shock. What should the nurse consider when repositioning this patient?

A nurse is attending to a client experiencing hypovolemic shock. What findings should the nurse anticipate?

A nurse is caring for a client with an electrical burn. The client states that since the wound on the skin is small, the burn must not be too bad. Which of the following is the best response by the nurse?

A nurse is admitting a client. Review the exhibits to answer the question. Exhibits For each potential provider's prescription, click to specify if the prescription is anticipated or contraindicated.

A nurse is attending to a client who has suffered a basal skull fracture.

During the morning hygiene care, the nurse observes a thin clear drainage coming from the client’s right nostril.

What should be the nurse’s immediate action?