A nurse is caring for a client immediately following a lumbar puncture. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Instruct the client to expect tingling in their extremities.
Measure blood glucose every 2 hours.
Limit the client's fluid intake.
Instruct the client to lie flat.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Instructing the client to expect tingling in their extremities is not a standard post-lumbar puncture care instruction. Tingling may be a sign of nerve irritation or damage, which is not an expected outcome and should be reported if it occurs.
Choice B reason: Measuring blood glucose every 2 hours is not related to post-lumbar puncture care unless the client has a specific condition that requires such monitoring. Post-lumbar puncture care focuses on preventing complications such as headaches and monitoring for signs of infection or bleeding.
Choice C reason: Limiting the client's fluid intake is not advised following a lumbar puncture. In fact, increasing fluid intake can help prevent the occurrence of post-lumbar puncture headaches, which are a common complication. Adequate hydration helps replenish cerebrospinal fluid and reduce headache severity.
Choice D reason: Instructing the client to lie flat is the correct action. After a lumbar puncture, it is recommended that the client lies flat for several hours to prevent the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the puncture site, which can lead to a spinal headache. Lying flat helps maintain normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure and reduces the risk of headache.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A headache following a grade 1 concussion, while requiring monitoring, does not typically necessitate immediate proximity to the nurses' station. Grade 1 concussions are considered mild and usually do not involve loss of consciousness.
Choice B reason: A client who has experienced brain death and is awaiting organ procurement will not benefit from being close to the nurses' station due to the irreversible nature of brain death. The care for such a client is focused on maintaining organ viability for transplantation.
Choice C reason: A client with a score of 10 on the Glasgow Coma Scale following a motor vehicle crash should be placed closest to the nurses' station. A GCS score of 10 indicates a moderate level of impairment in consciousness and potentially unstable vital signs, requiring close monitoring and rapid nursing intervention.
Choice D reason: A score of 0 on the NIH Stroke Scale indicates no observable neurological deficit. Clients with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and a score of 0 would require less intensive observation compared to those with higher scores or other acute neurological injuries.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Injecting the medication into the abdomen above the level of the iliac crest is not recommended. The preferred sites for subcutaneous injections are the fatty tissue over the triceps, the abdomen from below the costal margin to the iliac crests, and the anterior aspects of the thighs. The area above the iliac crest may not have sufficient subcutaneous tissue, which could affect the absorption of the medication.
Choice B reason: Using a 1-inch needle can be appropriate depending on the client's body mass. For most adults, a 5/8-inch to 1-inch needle is recommended for subcutaneous injections to ensure the medication is delivered to the subcutaneous tissue and not into the muscle.
Choice C reason: Using a 25-gauge needle is the appropriate action when administering heparin subcutaneously. A smaller gauge needle, such as 25-gauge, is typically used for subcutaneous injections to minimize discomfort and tissue trauma.
Choice D reason: Massaging the injection site after administration of the medication is not recommended when administering heparin subcutaneously. Massaging the site can cause the medication to be absorbed more quickly than intended and may increase the risk of bleeding.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.