The nurse is caring for a patient who is about to have a lumbar puncture to obtain cerebrospinal fluid for lab analysis. The patient is anxious about damage to the spinal cord. What is the best response by the nurse?
"You may feel some slight tingling in your lower extremities."
"Paresthesia may occur because of the procedure, but it is only temporary."
"The needle is placed between the vertebrae, but below where the spinal cord ends."
"You should report any numbness during the procedure to the physician immediately."
The Correct Answer is C
A. Informing the patient about possible tingling is not as reassuring and does not directly address their concern about spinal cord damage.
B. While paresthesia can occur, focusing on temporary effects might not alleviate the patient’s primary concern about spinal cord injury.
C. Explaining that the needle is placed below where the spinal cord ends directly addresses the patient’s anxiety about potential damage, providing clarity and reassurance about the safety of the procedure.
D. While it is important for patients to report numbness, this response does not reassure them about the procedure's safety and may increase their anxiety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Using a soft toothbrush is appropriate for preventing bleeding, but it does not directly indicate an understanding of neutropenia or its implications for infection risk.
B. Babysitting a young child may expose the client to infections, which is not safe for someone with neutropenia. This statement shows a lack of understanding.
C. Calling the oncologist when experiencing an increased temperature is critical because it may indicate an infection, which is a major concern for clients with neutropenia. This statement reflects an appropriate understanding of the condition.
D. While wearing a mask can be beneficial in some situations, stating that it must be worn at all times is not necessary and shows a misunderstanding of the guidelines for reducing infection risk in neutropenia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Bowel sounds, abdominal girth, and NG tube output provide important information about gastrointestinal function and the potential for complications like ileus or obstruction. However, they do not provide direct information regarding fluid volume status.
B. Vital signs (including blood pressure and heart rate), cardiac rhythm, and peripheral pulses are the first indicators to assess for decreased fluid volume. Hypovolemia often manifests as tachycardia, hypotension, and weak peripheral pulses, which are critical early signs of fluid depletion.
C. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and daily weight are useful in assessing kidney function and long-term fluid status, but they may not be as immediate indicators of acute fluid volume changes in the immediate postoperative period.
D. Respiratory rate, depth, and pulse oximetry are important for assessing respiratory function and oxygenation. While fluid volume imbalances can impact respiratoryfunction, these parameters are not the most direct indicators of fluid volume status.
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