Very hard

A patient with a head injury has clear fluid draining from one nostril. Which nursing action is appropriate?

Correct answer: C. Place a sterile dressing under the nose

  • A. Pack the nostril firmly with gauze
  • B. Suction deeply through the nostril
  • C. Place a sterile dressing under the nose
  • D. Ask the patient to blow the nose gently

Explanation

Clear drainage may be cerebrospinal fluid from a skull-base fracture, so it should be allowed to drain onto a sterile dressing for observation. Packing, deep suction, or nose blowing can increase pressure and introduce infection.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Burns and Trauma Nursing

Covers the initial and continuing care of patients with burns, haemorrhage, fractures, head injury, chest trauma and shock. It includes burn depth and surface-area estimation, airway protection, fluid resuscitation, wound care, infection prevention, pain management and the distinction between hypovolaemic, septic and neurogenic shock.

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