Which finding would confirm a CSF leak?

Prepare for the NREMT Advanced-EMT Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ready yourself for success on your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which finding would confirm a CSF leak?

Explanation:
A halo sign on the dressing is a reliable bedside clue for a CSF leak. When CSF drains onto a dressing that also has some blood, the CSF spreads outward and forms a clear ring around the central blood stain. This distinct halo helps distinguish CSF from other fluids. In contrast, findings like elevated CSF protein, an increased white blood cell count, or a positive Gram stain point to infection or inflammation in the CSF rather than a leak, so they don’t confirm a leak.

A halo sign on the dressing is a reliable bedside clue for a CSF leak. When CSF drains onto a dressing that also has some blood, the CSF spreads outward and forms a clear ring around the central blood stain. This distinct halo helps distinguish CSF from other fluids. In contrast, findings like elevated CSF protein, an increased white blood cell count, or a positive Gram stain point to infection or inflammation in the CSF rather than a leak, so they don’t confirm a leak.

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