The nurse is caring for a patient undergoing a lumbar puncture by the provider. Select the priority nursing intervention the nurse would complete after the procedure.
Maintain pressure to the puncture site and observe for drainage.
Complete a pain assessment and administer an ordered analgesic, as needed.
Inform the patient they may feel pressure and sharp pain in their lower back for several hours.
Assess pulses distal to the lumbar puncture site every two hours.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Maintaining pressure to the puncture site and observing for drainage is the priority nursing intervention for a patient who had a lumbar puncture. It helps to prevent bleeding, hematoma, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which can cause complications such as infection, headache, or nerve damage.
Choice B reason: Completing a pain assessment and administering an ordered analgesic, as needed, is an important nursing intervention for a patient who had a lumbar puncture, but it is not the priority. Lumbar puncture can cause mild to moderate pain and discomfort at the puncture site, which can be relieved by analgesics, ice packs, or massage.
Choice C reason: Informing the patient they may feel pressure and sharp pain in their lower back for several hours is an important nursing intervention for a patient who had a lumbar puncture, but it is not the priority. Lumbar puncture can cause transient sensations of pressure and pain in the lower back, which can be reduced by lying flat, avoiding sudden movements, and drinking fluids.
Choice D reason: Assessing pulses distal to the lumbar puncture site every two hours is not an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient who had a lumbar puncture. Lumbar puncture does not affect the blood circulation to the lower extremities, unless there is a complication such as hematoma or nerve compression. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the neurological status, vital signs, and signs of infection or bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The disorder is commonly fatal, is not a true statement. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare and serious condition that affects the peripheral nervous system. It causes inflammation and damage to the nerve fibers, leading to muscle weakness, numbness, and paralysis. However, most people recover from Guillain-Barre syndrome, although some may have long-term complications or disabilities. The mortality rate is about 4% to 7%.
Choice B reason: The progressive muscle weakness will begin in the lower extremities and move upward, is a true statement. Guillain-Barre syndrome usually starts with tingling and weakness in the feet and legs, and then spreads to the arms and upper body. This pattern of weakness is called ascending paralysis, and it can affect the breathing, swallowing, and facial muscles. The weakness usually reaches its peak within two to four weeks, and then gradually improves over months or years.
Choice C reason: The disorder is caused by a fungal infection, is not a true statement. Guillain-Barre syndrome is not caused by a fungal infection, but by an abnormal immune response. The exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is unknown, but it is often preceded by an infection, such as a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, or a vaccination. The immune system mistakenly attacks the nerve fibers, causing inflammation and damage.
Choice D reason: The disorder's most significant manifestations are muscle pain and stiffness, is not a true statement. Guillain-Barre syndrome's most significant manifestations are muscle weakness and paralysis, not pain and stiffness. Muscle pain and stiffness may occur in some cases, but they are not the main symptoms or the most serious ones. The weakness and paralysis can affect the vital functions, such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate, and require intensive care and treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Risk for Falls is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with Parkinson disease, as the disease affects the patient's balance, coordination, and posture. The patient may have difficulty walking, turning, and standing, which increases the risk of falling and injuring themselves. The nurse should implement interventions to prevent falls, such as providing assistive devices, removing environmental hazards, and educating the patient and family about fall prevention.
Choice B reason: Ineffective Self-Care Ability related to cognitive deficit is a possible nursing diagnosis for a patient with Parkinson disease, as the disease may impair the patient's memory, judgment, and problem-solving skills. The patient may have difficulty performing activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. The nurse should assess the patient's self-care abilities, provide assistance as needed, and encourage the patient to maintain their independence and dignity.
Choice C reason: Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity related to uncontrolled hand tremors is another possible nursing diagnosis for a patient with Parkinson disease, as the disease causes involuntary movements of the hands, arms, and legs. The patient may scratch, rub, or injure their skin due to the tremors. The nurse should monitor the patient's skin condition, provide skin care, and protect the patient from skin breakdown.
Choice D reason: Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements related to frequent nausea during meals is a potential nursing diagnosis for a patient with Parkinson disease, as the disease may affect the patient's appetite, digestion, and swallowing. The patient may experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, or dysphagia, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. The nurse should assess the patient's nutritional status, provide dietary modifications, and ensure adequate fluid intake.
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.
