The patient presents to the emergency department after having a metal beam fall on his head at a work site. He was wearing a helmet which broke with the impact. He was unconscious at the scene but is awake now, and his initial assessment is completely benign. Which finding upon reassessment 30 minutes later is most concerning?

Clear drainage coming from his right ear. Clear drainage from an ear can be indicative of leaking cerebrospinal fluid, which could reflect a skull fracture. Headache, photophobia, and vomiting after a head injury are all signs of a concussion and are less concerning than a possible skull fracture.

The patient presents to the emergency department after having a m...

NCLEX Practice
Categories
Physiological Adaptation
View Question

Category: Physiological Adaptation
Difficulty: 4

Topics: Delegation, Prioritization and Leadership Neurology Assessment Cognition Intracranial Regulation Musculoskeletal Tissue Integrity

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Additional Physiological Adaptation Questions

The botulinum neurotoxin acts on which neurotransmitter to produce flaccid paralysis?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 3

The nurse is using the Finnegan scoring system to assess a neonate for opioid withdrawal. The first score is 9 and the second score is 14. Which statement is accurate?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 10

The patient with laryngitis requests tips on nonpharmacological symptom management. The nurse makes which suggestion?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 4

Show Calculator

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Rationale

Additional Physiological Adaptation Questions

Nursing Careers

Nursing Degrees

NCLEX