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Which of the following clinical findings is MOST indicative of a skull fracture?

A) Clear nasal discharge
B) Battle's sign
C) Unequal pupils
D) Bruising over the mastoid process

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

Battle's sign, which is bruising over the mastoid process behind the ear, is the most indicative clinical finding of a skull fracture out of the options provided.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the clinical findings listed, Battle's sign is MOST indicative of a skull fracture. Battle's sign refers to bruising over the mastoid process, which is located behind the ear. This sign suggests a basilar skull fracture, typically associated with a fracture to the bone at the base of the skull. Clear nasal discharge could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid leak, which might occur with a skull fracture but is not as specific as Battle's sign. Unequal pupils could be a sign of many conditions, including brain injury, but not necessarily a skull fracture. Bruising in itself does not indicate a fractured bone unless very localized and can happen in various situations. Therefore, the presence of Battle's sign, over alternative options like unequal pupils or bruising over the mastoid process without other indications, is most indicative of a skull fracture.

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