Several clients come to the emergency department following an accident. Which client does the nurse assess first?
a. Client with clear watery drainage from the ear canals
b. Client who reports tinnitus and pain in the right ear
c. Client with a deep, 1-inch laceration to the pinna
d. Client who has had severe difficulty hear-ing since the accident
A
Clear watery drainage from the ears following trauma suggests a basal skull fracture and should be assessed immediately. Tinnitus and pain, lacerations, and hearing loss all may be assessed by the nurse in a timely manner, after the possible skull fracture.
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