A nurse is assisting the provider with a lumbar puncture for a client who has manifestations of meningitis.
Into which of the following positions should the nurse assist the client?
Arms raised above her head with her legs elevated on pillows.
Trendelenburg with her body in Sims' position.
Prone with her arms at her side and her legs extended.
Head flexed to the chest and her knees pulled up to the abdomen.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Placing the client's arms raised above her head with her legs elevated on pillows (choice A) is not the correct position for a lumbar puncture. This position does not facilitate proper alignment of the spine and may hinder the procedure.
Choice B rationale:
The Trendelenburg position with the body in Sims' position (choice B) is not the correct position for a lumbar puncture. This position is not commonly used for lumbar punctures and may not provide the necessary anatomical alignment for a successful procedure.
Choice C rationale:
Placing the client prone with her arms at her side and her legs extended (choice C) is not the appropriate position for a lumbar puncture. This position does not allow for proper access to the lumbar region and may impede the procedure.
Choice D rationale:
The correct position for a lumbar puncture is to have the client flex their head to the chest and pull their knees up to the abdomen (choice D) This position maximizes the space between the lumbar vertebrae, making it easier for the provider to access the subarachnoid space for cerebrospinal fluid collection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B,C"},"C":{"answers":"B,C"},"D":{"answers":"B,C"},"E":{"answers":"B,C"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
Condition |
Definition |
Causes |
Symptoms |
Treatment |
Agranulocytosis |
A severe and potentially life-threatening reduction in the number of white blood cells (neutrophils) that fight infection. |
Can be caused by some antipsychotic medications, such as clozapine, olanzapine, and quetiapine. |
Sore throat, fever, chills, mouth ulcers, infections, bleeding, and fatigue. |
Discontinuation of the offending medication, antibiotics, antifungals, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) injections to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. |
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) |
A rare but serious reaction to antipsychotic medications, especially the older ones, such as haloperidol, fluphenazine, and chlorpromazine. |
Can be triggered by high doses, rapid dose changes, or switching of antipsychotic medications. |
High fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, autonomic instability (blood pressure changes, tachycardia, sweating, etc.), and elevated creatine kinase levels. |
Discontinuation of the offending medication, supportive care, cooling measures, hydration, and medications such as dantrolene, bromocriptine, or amantadine to counteract the effects of dopamine blockade. |
Serotonin Syndrome |
A potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive levels of serotonin in the brain. |
Can be caused by taking too much of a serotonin-enhancing medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or other drugs that affect serotonin levels, such as tramadol, linezolid, or St. John’s wort. Can also be caused by combining two or more serotonin-enhancing medications. |
Agitation, confusion, disorientation, anxiety, hallucinations, muscle spasms, tremors, shivering, hyperreflexia, incoordination, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, blood pressure changes, tachycardia, and hyperthermia. |
Discontinuation of the offending medication(s), supportive care, hydration, and medications such as benzodiazepines, cyproheptadine, or serotonin antagonists to reduce serotonin levels. |
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice B.
Choice A rationale: Bradycardia is not typically associated with a perforated appendix. Instead, tachycardia (increased heart rate) may occur due to pain and infection-related systemic responses. Bradycardia could indicate other unrelated medical issues and should still be monitored.
Choice B rationale: Elevated temperature is a key sign of infection and inflammation, which are common with a perforated appendix. The release of bacteria into the abdominal cavity can cause peritonitis, leading to fever as part of the body's immune response.
Choice C rationale: Lethargy can be a nonspecific symptom and may occur in various conditions. While it can be associated with severe infection, it is not a definitive indicator of a perforated appendix. Monitoring for more specific signs, like fever and pain, is crucial.
Choice D rationale: Decreased abdominal girth is unlikely and not indicative of a perforated appendix. Instead, an increase in abdominal girth due to fluid accumulation (ascites) or air (from perforation) would be more concerning and should be reported promptly.
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