Final answer:
The signs and symptoms of a depressed skull fracture include visual deformity of the skull, headaches, nausea, and neurological issues. Severe cases with arterial damage may lead to hematoma and increased intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening if not addressed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The signs and symptoms (S/S) of a depressed skull fracture typically include visual signs of trauma to the skull such as indentation or deformity where the bone is pushed inward. Depending on the severity of the injury, a person may experience headaches, confusion, nausea, drowsiness, seizures, and other neurological issues. If the fracture involves an underlying artery, such as the one beneath the pterion, a hematoma may form, leading to increased intracranial pressure with associated symptoms like bulging fontanel in infants, irritability, limpness, and even potentially life-threatening conditions if not treated promptly.