Question

While admitting a pt with a basal skull fracture, the nurse notes clear drainage from the pt's nose. What admission should the nurse question?

Option 1: Allowing the patient to continue with the admission process.
Option 2: Requesting a neurological evaluation.
Option 3: Discharging the patient immediately.
Option 4: Contacting the healthcare provider for further assessment.

Answer 1

The nurse should question discharging the patient immediately when admitting a patient with a basal skull fracture and clear nasal drainage. Contacting the healthcare provider for further evaluation is the appropriate step, along with requesting a neurological evaluation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When admitting a pt with a basal skull fracture, clear drainage from the nose may be indicative of cerebrospinal fluid leak, which could potentially lead to serious complications such as infections. Thus, the nurse should question Option 3: Discharging the patient immediately. Instead, a nurse should prioritize contacting the healthcare provider for further assessment to ensure appropriate management of the patient's condition. Option 4, contacting the healthcare provider, would enable the required urgent assessment and intervention that could potentially prevent complications and harm. A neurological evaluation should indeed be requested (Option 2) due to the potential for neurological complications associated with skull fractures. The admission process should not be halted (Option 1), as the patient needs immediate and continuous evaluation and care.