Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 68%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a craniotomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Clear drainage from the surgical site. This finding may indicate cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which can lead to complications such as infection or intracranial pressure changes. Reporting this to the provider promptly is crucial for further assessment and intervention. Choices B, C, and D are expected postoperative findings. Mild headache is common after a craniotomy, pupils being equal and reactive suggest neurological stability, and drowsiness can be a normal side effect of anesthesia and surgery.