After sustaining a fall at home, a patient is brought to the emergency room exhibiting altered level of consciousness. Following a skull x-ray, the patient is diagnosed with a basilar skull fracture
Which sign should alert the nurse to this type of fracture?
A) Babinski's sign
B) Kernig's sign
C) Battle's sign
D) Brudzinski's sign
Ans: C
Feedback: An area of ecchymosis (bruising) may be seen over the mastoid (Battle's sign) in a basilar skull fracture. A positive Kernig's sign and positive Brudzinski's sign indicate meningeal irritation. Babinski's sign (reflex) is indicative of central nervous system (CNS) disease in the corticospinal tract.
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