What finding may indicate a basilar skull fracture?

The finding that indicates a basilar skull fracture is the presence of clear fluid coming from the nares. This clear fluid is often cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which can leak from the nasal cavity if there is a fracture at the base of the skull. A basilar skull fracture can compromise the protective membranes surrounding the brain, allowing CSF to escape through the nose, which is indicative of a serious injury.

Recognizing this symptom is critical as it may suggest an increased risk of complications such as meningitis due to the potential for infection when the protective barriers of the central nervous system are breached. It is also vital for medical professionals to assess such a finding promptly, as it can help guide the appropriate interventions and support necessary for the patient.

The other choices, while they may indicate other conditions, do not specifically point to a basilar skull fracture with the same level of relevance as the clear fluid from the nares. For instance, blood-tinged fluid from the ears might suggest a different type of skull injury or intracranial hemorrhage, a unilateral facial droop could indicate neurological deficits possibly related to other injuries, and bradycardia is a heart rate change that may occur with other conditions but does not specifically point