Question

The nurse is caring for a patient who was admitted the previous day with a basilar skull fracture after a motor vehicle crash. Which assessment finding is most important to report to the health care provider?

1) Complaint of severe headache
2) Large contusion behind left ear
3) Bilateral periorbital ecchymosis
4) Temperature of 101.4° F (38.6° C)

Answer 1

The most crucial assessment finding to report is a high fever, indicating potential infection like meningitis, which is life-threatening in the context of a basilar skull fracture.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important assessment finding to report to the health care provider in a patient with a basilar skull fracture is a temperature of 101.4° F (38.6° C). This finding indicates a possible infection, such as meningitis, which can be life-threatening when associated with skull fractures.

While all symptoms listed are concerning, the fever is the most urgent, as it suggests the possibility of a brain infection, which requires immediate medical intervention. In the context of a basilar skull fracture, the risk of developing meningitis is elevated due to potential breaches in the protective barriers of the brain.