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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason : A severe, throbbing headache is a common and significant manifestation of autonomic dysreflexia. This condition is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency that can occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries, typically above the T6 level. The headache results from a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure due to an exaggerated response of the autonomic nervous system to a stimulus below the level of the injury.
Choice B reason: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not a manifestation of autonomic dysreflexia. In fact, the condition is characterized by hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is a critical sign that requires immediate attention to prevent complications such as stroke or seizure.
Choice C reason: Fever is not a direct manifestation of autonomic dysreflexia. While a fever may indicate an infection or other systemic issue, autonomic dysreflexia itself is specifically associated with a rapid onset of high blood pressure and other autonomic disturbances.
Choice D reason: Cyanosis of the head and neck, which refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood, is not a typical manifestation of autonomic dysreflexia. The condition primarily causes hypertension and its associated symptoms, rather than issues with oxygenation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Serosanguineous drainage, which is a mixture of blood and a clear yellow liquid known as serum, is generally expected after surgery. While the amount of 150 mL may seem significant, it is not uncommon in the first hour postoperatively, especially after abdominal surgery. The nurse should continue to monitor the drainage and report if the volume increases significantly or if the drainage becomes bright red, indicating active bleeding.
Choice B reason: Greenish-yellow drainage is typically bile, which can be present in NG tube drainage after abdominal surgery. This type of drainage is not unusual and does not necessarily need to be reported unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms or changes in the patient's condition.
Choice C reason: 100 mL of red drainage is concerning and should be reported to the provider immediately. Red drainage suggests active bleeding, and in the context of the first postoperative hour, it could indicate a complication such as hemorrhage. Prompt assessment and intervention are required to address this potential emergency situation.
Choice D reason: Brown drainage may be old blood or could be related to the contents of the gastrointestinal tract. While 200 mL is a larger volume, brown drainage is not typically as concerning as bright red drainage. However, the nurse should monitor for changes in the color and consistency of the drainage, as well as the patient's vital signs and overall status.
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