The nurse is assessing a 16-year-old patient who has suffered head injuries from a recent motor vehicle accident. Which of these statements indicates the most important reason for assessing for any drainage from the ear canal?
a. If the drum has ruptured, then purulent drainage will result.
b. Bloody or clear watery drainage can indicate a basal skull fracture.
c. The auditory canal many be occluded from increased cerumen.
d. Foreign bodies from the accident may cause occlusion of the canal.
ANS: B
Frank blood or clear watery drainage (cerebrospinal leak) after a trauma suggests a basal skull fracture and warrants immediate referral. Purulent drainage indicates otitis externa or otitis media.
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