A client who returned to the nursing unit 8 hours ago after hypophysectomy has clear drainage saturating the nasal dressing. The nurse should take which action?

A client who returned to the nursing unit 8 hours ago after hypophysectomy has clear drainage saturating the nasal dressing. The nurse should take which action?

• A. Put the head of the bed flat.
• B. Test the drainage for glucose.
• C. Test the drainage for occult blood.
• D. Continue to observe for further drainage.

Answer: (B)

Clear nasal drainage after hypophysectomy can indicate a CSF leak, which poses a serious risk for meningitis. The most informative and immediate step is to determine whether the drainage is CSF. CSF contains glucose, while ordinary nasal secretions do not. Testing the drainage for glucose quickly differentiates CSF from normal drainage and guides urgent management. If glucose is present, that confirms a CSF leak and the clinician should be notified for appropriate interventions. Other actions are less helpful here because they don’t identify the leak or address the infection risk as directly.

Clear nasal drainage after hypophysectomy can indicate a CSF leak, which poses a serious risk for meningitis. The most informative and immediate step is to determine whether the drainage is CSF. CSF contains glucose, while ordinary nasal secretions do not. Testing the drainage for glucose quickly differentiates CSF from normal drainage and guides urgent management. If glucose is present, that confirms a CSF leak and the clinician should be notified for appropriate interventions. Other actions are less helpful here because they don’t identify the leak or address the infection risk as directly.