What complication might a nurse suspect if a client with a head injury reports dizziness and hearing loss?

When a client with a head injury reports dizziness and hearing loss, it is important to consider the role of the eighth cranial nerve, also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve. This nerve is responsible for both hearing and balance. If there is damage to this nerve, it can result in symptoms such as dizziness (which may stem from vestibular dysfunction) and hearing loss (which can occur due to auditory dysfunction). Therefore, injury to the eighth cranial nerve is a logical suspicion when these specific symptoms are reported following a head injury.

In contrast, while other complications like cerebrospinal fluid leaks, intracranial hemorrhage, and seizure activity can also occur in the setting of a head injury, they are typically associated with different symptoms. For instance, a cerebrospinal fluid leak is more likely to present with clear fluid drainage or signs of meningeal irritation, intracranial hemorrhage may lead to altered consciousness or focal neurological deficits, and seizure activity usually manifests as convulsions or specific postictal states rather than isolated dizziness and hearing loss. Thus, the presentation of dizziness and hearing loss points more clearly to potential injury of the eighth cranial nerve.