Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

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What is a potential complication of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in basal skull fractures?

Infection of the surrounding tissue
Persistent CSF leaks requiring surgical intervention
Increased intracranial pressure
Formation of blood clots in the spinal canal

The correct answer is: Persistent CSF leaks requiring surgical intervention

A potential complication of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in basal skull fractures is indeed the risk of persistent CSF leaks that may require surgical intervention. When a basal skull fracture occurs, it compromises the protective barriers around the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to a CSF leak from the nose or ear. If the leak persists, it can result in various complications, including increased risk of infection and prolonged recovery, which may necessitate surgical repair to close the leak and restore normal CSF circulation. Persistent CSF leaks can also affect the overall healing of the fracture and lead to complications like meningoencephalitis if left untreated. Surgical options often involve endoscopic techniques to patch the defect in the dura or skull base. Other considered options, while they present potential concerns related to basal skull fractures, do not capture the specific complication of persistent CSF leaks that directly arises from the fracture itself.