A patient is having 20 mL of cerebral spinal fluid removed via a lumbar puncture. What intervention is important after the procedure?
Have the patient lie flat for 6 hours.
Have the patient lie in a semi-Fowler’s position with the head of the bed at 35 degrees.
Early ambulation.
Have the patient lie flat for 1 hour, then sit up for 1 hour before ambulating.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
After a lumbar puncture, it is important for the patient to lie flat for approximately 6 hours. This position helps to prevent headaches that can occur after the procedure, which are caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid at the needle puncture site. Lying flat allows the puncture site to seal and prevents the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.
Choice B rationale
Having the patient lie in a semi-Fowler’s position with the head of the bed at 35 degrees is not typically recommended immediately after a lumbar puncture. This position could potentially increase the risk of a post-lumbar puncture headache.
Choice C rationale
Early ambulation is not recommended after a lumbar puncture. Moving around too soon after the procedure can increase the risk of a headache and may also increase the risk of complications at the puncture site.
Choice D rationale
Having the patient lie flat for 1 hour, then sit up for 1 hour before ambulating is not a typical recommendation after a lumbar puncture. The standard recommendation is to have the patient lie flat for approximately 6 hours to reduce the risk of complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale
Patients with Ménière’s disease are often advised to limit or avoid foods high in sodium, such as canned soup. High sodium intake can increase fluid retention, which can exacerbate the symptoms of Ménière’s disease, such as vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Choice A rationale
There is no specific recommendation for patients with Ménière’s disease to limit or avoid red meat. However, a balanced diet that includes lean proteins is generally recommended for overall health.
Choice B rationale
Frozen yogurt is not specifically contraindicated for patients with Ménière’s disease. However, patients should be mindful of the sugar content, as high sugar intake can potentially trigger symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Shellfish is not specifically contraindicated for patients with Ménière’s disease. However, patients should be mindful of the preparation method and any added sodium, which can exacerbate symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale
Dimming the lights and reducing stimulation can be an effective nursing intervention for a patient with herpes simplex virus encephalitis who is complaining of a headache. Bright lights and excessive noise can exacerbate headaches, so creating a quiet, dimly lit environment can help to alleviate this symptom.
Choice A rationale
While administering hydromorphone as needed can help to manage the patient’s pain, it does not directly address the patient’s complaint of a headache. Moreover, opioids like hydromorphone can have side effects such as drowsiness and constipation, which may not be desirable in a patient with encephalitis.
Choice B rationale
Distracting the patient with activity may not be appropriate for a patient with herpes simplex virus encephalitis who is complaining of a headache. Rest and quiet are often more beneficial for these patients.
Choice D rationale
Initiating a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) of morphine sulfate can provide effective pain relief for some patients, but it may not be the best first-line approach for a patient with a headache due to herpes simplex virus encephalitis. Like hydromorphone, morphine can have side effects such as drowsiness and constipation.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.