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 D
Explanation
A. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant commonly used to treat neuropathic pain, including trigeminal neuralgia. It works by stabilizing nerve activity and is appropriate for this condition.
B. Carbamazepine is considered the first-line treatment for trigeminal neuralgia as it decreases nerve impulses, which helps reduce pain. It is a commonly prescribed medication for this condition.
C. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and can be used in combination with anticonvulsants to treat trigeminal neuralgia by reducing muscle spasms associated with nerve irritation.
D. Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic that treats general pain but is not typically effective for the specific type of neuropathic pain experienced in trigeminal neuralgia. Opioids do not address the underlying nerve activity and are not recommended for long-term management of this condition.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A garden salad may contain raw vegetables, which can harbor bacteria and pose a risk of infection for a client with neutropenia, making this the concerning choice.
B. Applesauce is typically safe as it is a processed food that has been cooked, reducing the risk of bacterial contamination.
C. A baked potato is also safe as long as it is properly cooked and handled, which minimizes the risk of foodborne illness.
D. Steamed broccoli is safe because the cooking process eliminates harmful bacteria, making it a better choice for someone with neutropenia.
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