A nurse is preparing a client for a lumbar puncture. Which position should the nurse place the client in to facilitate the procedure?

Supine with head elevated

Prone with legs extended

Lateral recumbent with knees flexed

Sitting upright with back straight

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Supine with head elevated is used for comfort or respiratory support but not for lumbar puncture. This position does not allow access to the lumbar spine or flex the back to open intervertebral spaces, which is necessary for safe needle insertion during the procedure.

Choice B reason: Prone with legs extended is used for procedures like wound care but not lumbar puncture. This position does not flex the spine to widen intervertebral spaces, making needle insertion difficult and risky. The lateral recumbent position is standard for accessing the subarachnoid space.

Choice C reason: Lateral recumbent with knees flexed maximizes lumbar spine flexion, opening intervertebral spaces for safe needle insertion into the subarachnoid space during a lumbar puncture. This position reduces the risk of nerve damage and ensures accurate cerebrospinal fluid collection, making it the standard choice.

Choice D reason: Sitting upright with back straight may be used in some procedures but is less common for lumbar puncture. It does not provide optimal spinal flexion compared to the lateral recumbent position, which better exposes the lumbar vertebrae, reducing complications during needle insertion.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Engaging the client in a walk and family discussion uses therapeutic communication and redirection, common in dementia care. This non-pharmacological approach validates emotions, reduces distress, and promotes calmness by shifting focus to positive memories, aligning with person-centered care principles to address emotional needs first.

Choice B reason: Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, reduces anxiety but carries risks like sedation and falls in dementia patients. Pharmacological interventions should be secondary to non-pharmacological approaches, as they may exacerbate confusion or dependency. Addressing emotional distress through engagement is preferred before considering medications for anxiety management.

Choice C reason: Olanzapine, an antipsychotic, is used for severe agitation or psychosis in dementia. It poses risks like sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms, and increased mortality in elderly patients. Non-pharmacological interventions, like redirection, are prioritized to manage emotional distress safely, reserving medications for when behavioral approaches fail.

Choice D reason: Isolating the client in their room may increase distress and agitation in dementia patients, as it does not address their emotional needs. Social isolation can worsen confusion and feelings of abandonment. Therapeutic engagement, such as redirection or validation, is more effective in calming the client and fostering trust.

A. Nasal cannula at 2 L/min B. Simple face mask at 8 L/min C. Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min D. Venturi mask at 40% FiO2

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: A nasal cannula at 2 L/min delivers low-flow oxygen (24–28% FiO2), suitable for COPD clients to maintain oxygen saturation without suppressing their hypoxic drive. COPD patients rely on low oxygen levels to stimulate breathing, and low-flow oxygen prevents hyperoxia, which could reduce respiratory drive.

Choice B reason: A simple face mask at 8 L/min delivers 40–60% FiO2, which is too high for COPD clients. High oxygen levels can suppress the hypoxic drive, leading to hypoventilation and CO2 retention, worsening respiratory acidosis. Low-flow oxygen is preferred to balance oxygenation and respiratory drive.

Choice C reason: A non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min delivers 60–80% FiO2, inappropriate for COPD clients. High oxygen concentrations risk suppressing the hypoxic drive, causing CO2 retention and respiratory failure. COPD management prioritizes low-flow oxygen to maintain safe oxygenation without disrupting respiratory regulation.

Choice D reason: A Venturi mask at 40% FiO2 delivers precise oxygen concentrations but is still too high for stable COPD clients. High FiO2 can suppress the hypoxic drive, leading to hypoventilation. A nasal cannula at 2 L/min is safer, providing adequate oxygenation while preserving respiratory drive.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is preparing a client for a lumbar puncture. Which position should the nurse place the client in to facilitate the procedure?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a long-term care facility is caring for a client with dementia who is upset over not being able to find their spouse, who passed away years ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which oxygen delivery method is most appropriate for this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A 73-year-old hospitalized client demonstrates the following symptoms: dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, confusion, a serum sodium of 153 mEq/L, and a serum condition difficult to measure. This is indicative of?

A nurse is caring for a client with a suspected pulmonary embolism. Which diagnostic test is most likely to confirm this diagnosis?

As the nurse assesses a client’s blood pressure, the patient’s wrist severely flexes inward. The nurse questions the client’s response because this finding may indicate what condition?

The nurse is prepping a client for a trip to the operating room. The nurse anticipates that the physician will order which IV fluid?

As the nurse assesses a client’s laboratory values, the following are noted: Sodium 140 mEq/L, Magnesium 0.8 mEq/L, Chloride 107 mEq/L, Potassium 3.6 mEq/L. What electrolyte imbalance is indicated?

A 73-year-old hospitalized client demonstrates the following symptoms: dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, confusion, a serum sodium of 158 mEq/L, a potassium of 4.8 mEq/L. The nurse recognizes that these symptoms are indicative of?

A client continues to report nausea following surgery from the anesthesia. She has received an antiemetic, and the next dose is not due for another hour. What should the nurse do first?

A client states to the nurse, “I understand that I need a mastectomy, but I am worried about the pain and appearance afterwards.” When responding to the client, the nurse will need to address which domain?