39.7k views
4 votes
A patient comes to the ER after a car accident and has a bruise behind their ear. The nurse notes clear fluid coming out of the nose. What should the nurse test for following these findings?

User ZKS
by
7.1k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The nurse should test for the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following the findings of clear fluid coming out of the nose.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should test for the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following these findings. Clear fluid coming out of the nose suggests a possible basilar skull fracture which can result in a tear in the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This tear can lead to a leakage of CSF from the nose.

User Dkarchmer
by
7.9k points