A nurse is caring for a 20-year-old client who has a fever and reports severe headache.
A nurse is preparing the client for a lumbar puncture. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.
Provide education about the procedure.
Place the client in a lateral position with the knees drawn to the abdomen.
Ensure informed consent is obtained.
Place client NPO for 4 to 6 hr.
Obtain coagulation studies.
Assess for allergies to contrast dyes.
Administer a soapsuds enema.
Administer IV sedation as prescribed.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E
A. Educating the client about the lumbar puncture procedure is crucial for informed consent and to alleviate anxiety. The nurse should explain the purpose of the procedure, what the client will experience during the procedure (such as positioning, sensation of pressure), potential risks (like headache post- procedure), and benefits (diagnostic information for the healthcare provider).
B. Positioning the client correctly is important for the success and safety of the lumbar puncture. The lateral recumbent (side lying) position with the knees drawn up towards the abdomen helps to flex the spine and widen the spaces between the vertebrae in the lumbar region. This positioning makes it easier for the healthcare provider to access the spinal canal and perform the procedure accurately.
C. Informed consent is a legal and ethical requirement before performing any invasive procedure, including a lumbar puncture. The nurse must ensure that the client (or their legally authorized representative) understands the purpose of the procedure, its risks and benefits, alternative options (if any), and gives voluntary consent without coercion.
D. NPO (nothing by mouth) status helps reduce the risk of aspiration during the procedure, especially if the client needs sedation or if complications arise requiring emergency intubation. It ensures that the client's stomach is empty, minimizing the risk of vomiting and aspiration during the procedure.
E. Coagulation studies (such as PT/INR and PTT) may be ordered to assess the client's bleeding risk before performing a lumbar puncture. This is particularly important if there are concerns about bleeding disorders or if the client is on anticoagulant medications. Normal coagulation parameters are reassuring before proceeding with an invasive procedure.
F. Contrast dye is not typically used in a routine lumbar puncture.
G. Administering a soapsuds enema is not typically necessary before a lumbar puncture unless specifically indicated by the healthcare provider. It may be used in certain cases to reduce the risk of fecal contamination during the procedure, particularly if the client is constipated.
H. IV sedation is not routinely administered during a lumbar puncture in adult clients
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Keeping the client in a semi-Fowler's position (with the head of the bed elevated to 30-45 degrees) can help improve lung expansion and reduce the feeling of congestion. This position facilitates easier breathing but has no direct role in expectoration.
B. Adequate hydration helps to thin bronchial secretions, making them easier to cough up and clear from the airways. This is particularly beneficial for clients with COPD who often have thick, sticky mucus that is difficult to expectorate. Drinking sufficient water helps keep the mucus more liquid and less likely to block air passages.
C. Oxygen therapy is essential for clients with COPD to maintain adequate oxygen levels, but it does not directly address the issue of tenacious bronchial secretions. However, ensuring adequate oxygenation can indirectly support the client's ability to mobilize and expectorate secretions by improving overall respiratory function.
D. A low-salt diet is important for managing conditions like hypertension and heart failure, but it does not directly impact the client's ability to clear bronchial secretions in COPD. While overall health management is crucial, dietary changes do not play a direct role in managing respiratory secretions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The water temperature for handwashing should be comfortable and tolerable for the hands. Hot water can be drying to the skin and may not necessarily improve the effectiveness of hand hygiene. Ideally, the water temperature should be warm, but not uncomfortably hot or cold, to encourage thorough handwashing.
B. The amount of soap used for handwashing is important for effective cleaning. Applying 4 to 5 mL (approximately a teaspoon) of liquid soap ensures adequate coverage to create lather and effectively cleanse the hands. Too little soap may not produce enough lather to clean effectively, while too much may be wasteful.
C. During hand hygiene, it's recommended to keep the hands lower than the elbows to prevent water from running from the contaminated area (hands) to the cleaner area (elbows). This helps maintain hygiene and prevents potential contamination of the cleaned hands.
D. After washing hands with soap and water, it's important to dry them thoroughly. However, rubbing hands and arms to dry is not recommended. Instead, hands should be dried using a clean towel or paper towel. Rubbing can cause friction and potential irritation to the skin.
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