This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: The nurse is admitting a patient with a basal skull fracture. The nurse notes ecchymoses around both ... (Read 111 times)

jerry coleman

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 570
The nurse is admitting a patient with a basal skull fracture. The nurse notes ecchymoses around both eyes and clear drainage from the patient's nose. Which admission order should the nurse question?
 
  a. Keep the head of bed elevated.
  b. Insert nasogastric tube to low suction.
  c. Turn patient side to side every 2 hours
  d. Apply cold packs intermittently to face.

Question 2

A 20-year-old male patient is admitted with a head injury after a collision while playing football. After noting that the patient has developed clear nasal drainage, which action should the nurse take?
 
  a. Have the patient gently blow the nose.
  b. Check the drainage for glucose content.
  c. Teach the patient that rhinorrhea is ex-pected after a head injury.
  d. Obtain a specimen of the fluid to send for culture and sensitivity.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

ju

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 325
Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Rhinorrhea may indicate a dural tear with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Insertion of a naso-gastric tube will increase the risk for infections such as meningitis. Turning the patient, elevating the head, and applying cold packs are appropriate orders.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Clear nasal drainage in a patient with a head injury suggests a dural tear and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. If the drainage is CSF, it will test positive for glucose. Fluid leaking from the nose will have normal nasal flora, so culture and sensitivity will not be useful. Blowing the nose is avoided to prevent CSF leakage.





 

Did you know?

According to the FDA, adverse drug events harmed or killed approximately 1,200,000 people in the United States in the year 2015.

Did you know?

Children with strabismus (crossed eyes) can be treated. They are not able to outgrow this condition on their own, but with help, it can be more easily corrected at a younger age. It is important for infants to have eye examinations as early as possible in their development and then another at age 2 years.

Did you know?

Coca-Cola originally used coca leaves and caffeine from the African kola nut. It was advertised as a therapeutic agent and "pickerupper." Eventually, its formulation was changed, and the coca leaves were removed because of the effects of regulation on cocaine-related products.

Did you know?

Immunoglobulin injections may give short-term protection against, or reduce severity of certain diseases. They help people who have an inherited problem making their own antibodies, or those who are having certain types of cancer treatments.

Did you know?

Most strokes are caused when blood clots move to a blood vessel in the brain and block blood flow to that area. Thrombolytic therapy can be used to dissolve the clot quickly. If given within 3 hours of the first stroke symptoms, this therapy can help limit stroke damage and disability.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library