The mechanism of a patient's injury suggests that the patient may have suffered a basilar skull fracture. The nurse would assess for which findings? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected

Select all that apply. 1. Battle's sign
2. Hyphema
3. Raccoon eyes
4. Rigid extension of the forearms
5. Anasarca


1,3
Rationale 1: Battle's sign is ecchymosis of the mastoid area and suggests basilar skull fracture.
Rationale 2: Hyphema is a collection of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye and is not indicative of basilar skull fracture.
Rationale 3: Raccoon eyes are ecchymoses over the orbit of the eyes and suggest basilar skull fracture.
Rationale 4: Rigid extension of the forearms is a posturing position indicating central nervous system damage, but is not specifically associated with basilar skull fracture.
Rationale 5: Anasarca is total body edema. It is not a sign of basilar skull fracture.

Nursing

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