A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who has a nasal fracture. Which of the following findings should cause the nurse to suspect a skull fracture?

A. Clear fluid drainage from the nares: Clear, watery drainage following facial trauma can indicate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, which is a hallmark sign of a basilar skull fracture. The presence of CSF raises concern for a more serious intracranial injury and requires immediate reporting and further evaluation. B. Report of pain around the eyes: Periorbital pain is common with nasal fractures and facial trauma but is not specific for a skull fracture. While it warrants assessment, it does not suggest intracranial involvement or CSF leakage. C. Dried blood in the mouth: Blood in the mouth may result from oral or nasal trauma and is expected with nasal fractures. It does not indicate a skull fracture unless accompanied by other neurological or cerebrospinal signs. D. Mandibular asymmetry: Misalignment of the jaw is consistent with a mandibular fracture rather than a skull fracture. While it may be present in facial trauma, it does not indicate intracranial injury or CSF leakage.