A nurse is caring for a client who reports a throbbing headache and hypotension after a lumbar puncture. Which of the following actions is most likely to facilitate resolution of the headache?
Administer naproxen.
Elevate the head of the bed to 30°.
Check BP and call for a blood patch.
Darken the client's room and close the door.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Administer naproxen: While pain management is important, naproxen may not effectively resolve the headache associated with post-lumbar puncture headache (PLPH), which is often caused by cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
B. Elevate the head of the bed to 30°: While elevating the head of the bed may provide some relief, it is not typically sufficient to resolve PLPH, which often requires more definitive interventions.
C. Check BP and call for a blood patch: PLPH is commonly treated with a blood patch, which involves injecting the patient's own blood into the epidural space to seal the puncture site and restore normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Checking blood pressure is important to assess for hypotension, and calling for a blood patch is the most appropriate action to address the underlying cause of the headache.
D. Darken the client's room and close the door: While creating a quiet and dim environment may help alleviate symptoms of headache, it does not address the underlying cause of PLPH and is not the most appropriate intervention in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
A. Furnish restraints at the bedside: Restraints are not indicated for clients with seizure disorders. In fact, restraints can increase the risk of injury during a seizure and should be avoided.
B. Keep an oxygen setup at the bedside: Oxygen may be necessary to support the client's respiratory function during and after a seizure. Having an oxygen setup readily available can ensure prompt administration if needed.
C. Place the bed in the lowest position: Lowering the bed can help prevent injury if the client
falls out of bed during a seizure. However, it is not always feasible or necessary to lower the bed to the lowest position, especially if the client has mobility limitations or other considerations.
D. Provide a suction setup at the bedside: Suctioning may be necessary to clear the airway and prevent aspiration if the client experiences excessive oral secretions or vomiting during or after a seizure.
E. Elevate the side rails near the head when the client is in bed: Elevating the side rails near the head can help prevent injury if the client thrashes or moves unpredictably during a seizure. However, it is essential to ensure that the client's head and neck remain adequately supported and that the side rails do not restrict access to the client during a seizure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- A) Extension of the arms is incorrect because decorticate posturing is characterized by flexion into the body, not extension away from it.
- B) External rotation of the lower extremities is not associated with decorticate posturing, which involves movements primarily of the upper extremities.
- C) Pronation of the hands is incorrect as decorticate posturing typically involves flexion of the arms, wrists, and fingers into the chest.
- D) Plantar flexion of the legs is correct because decorticate posturing includes internal rotation and flexion of the arms and wrists, with the legs extended and feet plantar flexed.
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