Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The presence of clear rhinorrhea following blunt trauma to the face may indicate a basilar skull fracture with a possible cerebrospinal fluid leak, which is a serious condition that requires immediate intervention to prevent complications such as infection. While periorbital ecchymosis (commonly known as 'raccoon eyes') and epistaxis may also accompany facial trauma, they are not as acutely concerning as a potential CSF leak. Difficulty articulating speech, while important to address, is not as critical as securing the integrity of the cranial vault and preventing central nervous system infection.