A nurse is assisting with the care of a client immediately following a lumbar puncture. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
Monitor the puncture site for hematoma.
Elevate the client’s head of bed.
Insert a urinary catheter.
Encourage fluid intake.
Apply a cervical collar to the client.
Correct Answer : A,D
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the puncture site for hematoma is crucial because a hematoma can indicate bleeding at the puncture site, which can lead to complications such as infection or nerve damage. Hematomas can also cause increased intracranial pressure, which can be dangerous for the patient. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the site closely to ensure that any signs of bleeding are detected early and managed appropriately.
Choice B rationale
Elevating the client’s head of bed is incorrect because it can increase the risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage from the puncture site. After a lumbar puncture, it is recommended to keep the patient in a flat position for several hours to reduce the risk of post-lumbar puncture headache and to allow the puncture site to heal properly. Elevating the head of the bed too soon can disrupt this process and lead to complications.
Choice C rationale
Inserting a urinary catheter is incorrect because it is not a standard procedure following a lumbar puncture. The primary focus after a lumbar puncture is to monitor for complications related to the procedure itself, such as bleeding, infection, or CSF leakage. Inserting a urinary catheter is not necessary unless there is a specific indication for it, such as urinary retention or other urological issues.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging fluid intake is correct because it helps to replenish the CSF that was removed during the lumbar puncture. Increased fluid intake can also help to reduce the risk of post- lumbar puncture headache, which is a common complication. Hydration is important for overall recovery and helps to maintain normal bodily functions.
Choice E rationale
Applying a cervical collar to the client is incorrect because it is not related to the care of a lumbar puncture site. A cervical collar is typically used for patients with neck injuries or conditions affecting the cervical spine. It has no role in the management of a lumbar puncture site and would not provide any benefit in this context.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Small blood clots in the urinary catheter are common after TURP and usually resolve on their own. They are not typically a cause for immediate concern unless they persist or cause blockage.
Choice B rationale
A continuous urge to void is a common symptom after TURP due to irritation of the bladder and urethra. It is uncomfortable but not usually a priority concern.
Choice C rationale
Burning around the urinary catheter can occur due to irritation or infection. While it needs to be addressed, it is not the most critical finding.
Choice D rationale
Bright red urine in the urinary catheter indicates active bleeding, which can be a sign of a serious complication such as hemorrhage. This requires immediate attention to prevent further blood loss and potential shock.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Urine specific gravity of 1.020 is within the normal range (1.005 to 1.030). This indicates that the urine concentration is normal and does not suggest any abnormality that needs to be reported.
Choice B rationale
Microscopic hematuria refers to the presence of red blood cells in the urine, which is not visible to the naked eye. This finding can indicate a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or other renal pathology and should be reported to the provider for further evaluation.
Choice C rationale
Amber yellow urine color is considered normal and does not indicate any pathology. The color of urine can vary depending on hydration status and does not necessarily indicate a problem.
Choice D rationale
The absence of glucose in the urine is a normal finding. The presence of glucose in the urine would indicate glycosuria, which is often associated with diabetes mellitus.
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