Your patient was in a motor vehicle collision but was not discovered until 3 hours after the event. When you examine her, you discover bilateral discolored skin over the mastoid process. You should suspect:
A) temporal bone fracture.
B) frontal bone fracture.
C) basilar skull fracture.
D) a fractured sinus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bilateral discoloration over the mastoid process is known as Battle's sign and is a classic physical finding associated with basilar skull fractures. In this scenario, the delay in finding the patient increases the suspicion of potential head trauma and fracture. A temporal bone fracture or a fractured sinus may also present with bruising in this area, but the bilateral nature makes basilar skull fracture the most likely diagnosis. A frontal bone fracture would not typically present with discoloration at this location.

Your Patient Was in a Motor Vehicle Collision but Was