A nurse is collecting data from a client who fell at home and reported a brief loss of consciousness. Which of the following findings should the nurse immediately report to the charge nurse?
Edematous bruise on forehead
Client disoriented to place
Heart rate 110/min and regular
Small drops of clear fluid in left ear
The Correct Answer is D
The nurse should immediately report small drops of clear fluid in the left ear to the charge nurse. This finding could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which can occur as a result of a head injury. A CSF leak can be a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.
An edematous bruise on the forehead, client disorientation to place, and a heart rate of 110/min and regular are also important findings that the nurse should report to the charge nurse. However, these findings are not as urgent as the presence of small drops of clear fluid in the left ear.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When contributing to the plan of care for a client to achieve the outcome of functional healing of a fracture, the highest priority nursing intervention to assist in meeting this outcome is to maintain immobilization and alignment for the client. This helps to ensure that the bones are in the correct position to heal properly and can prevent complications such as malunion or nonunion.
a. Promoting independence in activities of daily living for the client is important, but it is not the highest priority intervention for achieving functional healing of a fracture.
b. Providing relief from pain and discomfort for the client is important, but it is not the highest priority intervention for achieving functional healing of a fracture.
d. Providing optimal nutrition and hydration for the client is important, but it is not the highest priority intervention for achieving functional healing of a fracture.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The first action the nurse should take is to test the drainage for glucose. Clear drainage from the nose following a basal skull fracture could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. CSF contains glucose, so testing the drainage for glucose can help determine if it is CSF.
b. Taking the client's temperature is not the first action the nurse should take.
c. Notifying the charge nurse is important but not the first action the nurse should take.
d. Placing a dressing under the client's nose is not the first action the nurse should take.
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