A nurse expecting to see a lucid period followed by an immediate loss of consciousness in a client is likely assessing which type of hematoma?

The scenario described in the question is characteristic of an epidural hematoma. In this type of hematoma, a person often experiences a period of lucidity following a head injury, during which they may seem fine and alert. This is typically due to the initial impact that causes a brief disruption in consciousness. However, as the hematoma expands and exerts pressure on the brain, the individual can rapidly lose consciousness. This sequence of events is a classic presentation of an epidural hematoma, often associated with a temporal skull fracture that can rupture the middle meningeal artery.

Recognizing the "lucid interval" followed by a sudden decline in consciousness is crucial in clinical practice, as it indicates the urgent need for medical intervention to alleviate the pressure in the skull. This can help distinguish an epidural hematoma from other types of intracranial bleeding, which may not exhibit the same pattern of symptoms.