Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 89%
Simulated
A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client following an automobile crash in which the client was unrestrained and thrown from the vehicle. When assessing the client, the nurse observes clear fluid draining from the client's nose. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
This is correct because clear fluid draining from the nose could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which is a serious complication of head trauma. Allowing the drainage to drip onto a sterile gauze pad can help confirm the presence of CSF by observing a halo sign.