A nurse is planning care for a 5-month-old infant who is scheduled for a lumbar puncture to rule out meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Apply a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream topically 15 min prior to the procedure.
Keep the infant NPO for 6 hr prior to the procedure.
Hold the infant's chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure.
Place the infant in an infant seat for 2 hr following the procedure.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is: c. Hold the infant’s chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure.
Choice A: Apply a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream topically 15 min prior to the procedure.
Applying a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA) cream can help reduce pain during procedures like lumbar punctures. However, it typically needs to be applied 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure to be effective. Applying it only 15 minutes prior would not provide adequate analgesia.
Choice B: Keep the infant NPO for 6 hr prior to the procedure.
Keeping an infant NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 hours is generally recommended before procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia to reduce the risk of aspiration. However, lumbar punctures do not typically require such prolonged fasting, especially in infants, unless sedation is planned.
Choice C: Hold the infant’s chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure.
This is the correct positioning for a lumbar puncture in infants. The infant should be held in a curled-up position, with the chin to the chest and knees to the abdomen, to maximize the space between the vertebrae and allow easier access to the lumbar region. This position helps to stabilize the infant and reduce movement during the procedure.
Choice D: Place the infant in an infant seat for 2 hr following the procedure.
Post-procedure care for a lumbar puncture typically involves monitoring the infant for any signs of complications, such as headache or infection. Placing the infant in an infant seat for 2 hours is not a standard recommendation. Instead, the infant should be observed and allowed to rest comfortably.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Applying heat to a bleeding site can increase blood flow and worsen the bleeding. This statement indicates a need for further teaching, as the parent should avoid applying heat and use cold compresses instead.
Choice B: Having the child rest can reduce physical activity and prevent further injury or bleeding. This statement indicates that the parent understands the teaching, as resting is one of the recommended actions for controlling a minor bleeding episode.
Choice C: Compressing the site can apply pressure and stop the bleeding. This statement indicates that the parent understands the teaching, as compressing is one of the recommended actions for controlling a minor bleeding episode.
Choice D: Elevating the affected part can reduce blood pressure and slow down the bleeding. This statement indicates that the parent understands the teaching, as elevating is one of the recommended actions for controlling a minor bleeding episode.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Performing range of motion on the infant's hips is not appropriate for an infant who has myelomeningocele, which is a type of spina bifida that causes a sac-like protrusion of the spinal cord and nerves through an opening in the spine. Performing range of motion on the infant's hips can cause nerve damage or pain in the lower extremities, which may already be affected by the condition.
Choice B: Taking an axillary temperature is appropriate for an infant who has myelomeningocele, as it is a non-invasive and accurate method of measuring body temperature. An axillary temperature is taken by placing a thermometer under the armpit and holding the arm close to the body. Taking an axillary temperature can help monitor for signs of infection or inflammation, which are common complications of myelomeningocele.
Choice C: Placing the infant in a side-lying position is not appropriate for an infant who has myelomeningocele, as it can cause pressure or friction on the sac and increase the risk of rupture or infection. The correct position for an infant with myelomeningocele is prone with hips slightly flexed and legs abducted. This position can prevent trauma and promote drainage from the sac.
Choice D: Maintaining a dry dressing over the sac is not appropriate for an infant who has myelomeningocele, as it can cause irritation or infection of the sac and surrounding skin. The correct dressing for an infant with myelomeningocele is moist and sterile with saline or antibiotic solution. This dressing can prevent drying and cracking of the sac and reduce bacterial growth.
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