A nurse at an urgent care clinic is caring for a child who hit her head on the playground 30 min ago. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Nasal discharge negative for glucose. Nasal discharge negative for glucose suggests that the child likely does not have cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaking from the nose, which would be concerning for a basilar skull fracture. This is a less urgent finding compared to asymmetric pupils. B. Negative Babinski reflex. A negative Babinski reflex is a normal finding in children over the age of 2, and thus it is not an urgent concern in this case. C. Asymmetric pupils. This is the priority. Asymmetric pupils could be a sign of increased intracranial pressure or brain injury, which requires immediate intervention. It may indicate a serious condition, such as a brain hemorrhage or concussion, that requires urgent medical attention. D. 2 cm (0.8 in) scalp laceration. While a scalp laceration may require suturing, it is not as urgent as asymmetric pupils, which could indicate a life-threatening condition. The laceration can be addressed after ensuring that there is no neurological emergency.