PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the PAEA Surgery EOR Exam. Test your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and detailed explanations. Gear up for your surgical rotation success!

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What are common signs and symptoms of a basilar skull fracture?

Diplopia and aphasia
Raccoon eyes and battle's sign
Severe headache and dizziness
Nausea and vomiting

The correct answer is: Raccoon eyes and battle's sign

A basilar skull fracture typically involves the base of the skull and can result in various signs and symptoms due to the proximity of essential neurological structures and major blood vessels. The presence of raccoon eyes, or periorbital ecchymosis, indicates bleeding around the eyes and suggests significant trauma. Similarly, Battle's sign, which is bruising over the mastoid process behind the ear, is another classic sign associated with a basilar skull fracture. Both of these signs are indicative of cranial injuries that may also affect the brain and its protective structures, making them common indicators in clinical assessment. While symptoms such as diplopia and aphasia may occur in some cases, they are not as specifically linked to basilar skull fractures as raccoon eyes and Battle’s sign. Severe headache and dizziness are common symptoms associated with many types of head trauma but are not uniquely indicative of basilar skull fractures. Nausea and vomiting can occur with concussive head injuries or intracranial pressure changes, but again, they are not definitive signs of a basilar skull fracture. The defining characteristics of raccoon eyes and Battle's sign are key to recognizing the presence of this type of fracture.