ATI Adult Med Surg Nurs 4292 Exam Related

Review ATI Adult Med Surg Nurs 4292 Exam related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a client who sustained a basal skull fracture and notes a thin stream of clear drainage coming from the client's right nostril. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

  • A. Test the drainage for the halo sign.
  • B. Ask the client to blow his nose.
  • C. Notify the physician.
  • D. Suction the nostril.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Testing for the halo sign (glucose in drainage) helps identify CSF leakage which requires immediate intervention.