While Caring for a Patient with a Basilar Skull Fracture,the

question 31

Multiple Choice

While caring for a patient with a basilar skull fracture,the nurse assesses clear drainage from the patient's left naris.What is the best nursing action?

• A) Have the patient blow the nose until clear.
• B) Insert bilateral cotton nasal packing.
• C) Place a nasal drip pad under the nose.
• D) Suction the left nares until the drainage clears.

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Definitions:

Fick's Law

Fick's law describes the rate of diffusion of a substance across a membrane, based on the concentration gradient, membrane surface area, and diffusion distance.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Alveolus

An air sac of the lung through which gas exchange with the blood takes place. Saclike unit of some glands (e.g., mammary glands). One of several flattened vesicles located just inside the plasma membrane in alveolate protists.

Partial Pressure

The pressure exerted by a singular type of gas in a mixture of gases.