A nurse is planning care for a 5-month-old infant who is scheduled for a lumbar puncture to rule out meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Apply a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream topically 15 min prior to the procedure.
Keep the infant NPO for 6 hr prior to the procedure.
Hold the infant's chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure.
Place the infant in an infant seat for 2 hr following the procedure.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is: c. Hold the infant’s chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure.
Choice A: Apply a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream topically 15 min prior to the procedure.
Applying a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA) cream can help reduce pain during procedures like lumbar punctures. However, it typically needs to be applied 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure to be effective. Applying it only 15 minutes prior would not provide adequate analgesia.
Choice B: Keep the infant NPO for 6 hr prior to the procedure.
Keeping an infant NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 hours is generally recommended before procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia to reduce the risk of aspiration. However, lumbar punctures do not typically require such prolonged fasting, especially in infants, unless sedation is planned.
Choice C: Hold the infant’s chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure.
This is the correct positioning for a lumbar puncture in infants. The infant should be held in a curled-up position, with the chin to the chest and knees to the abdomen, to maximize the space between the vertebrae and allow easier access to the lumbar region. This position helps to stabilize the infant and reduce movement during the procedure.
Choice D: Place the infant in an infant seat for 2 hr following the procedure.
Post-procedure care for a lumbar puncture typically involves monitoring the infant for any signs of complications, such as headache or infection. Placing the infant in an infant seat for 2 hours is not a standard recommendation. Instead, the infant should be observed and allowed to rest comfortably.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Urinary incontinence is a condition of involuntary loss of urine control, which can be caused by various factors, such as nerve damage, bladder dysfunction, or medication side effects. It is not always caused by neuroblastoma, which is a type of cancer that arises from immature nerve cells.
Choice B: Blood-fed is not a term that describes a neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that arises from immature nerve cells, which can form tumors in various parts of the body, such as the adrenal glands, abdomen, chest, or spine.
Choice C: Tiny is not a term that describes a neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma can vary in size and shape depending on the location and stage of the tumor. Some neuroblastomas can be very large and cause compression of nearby organs or structures.
Choice D: Unfortunately, much of the time, by the time a diagnosis has been made, metastasis has already occurred. This statement describes a neuroblastoma accurately. Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that arises from immature nerve cells, which can spread rapidly to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lymph nodes, or skin.
Metastasis is the process of cancer cells breaking away from the original tumor and forming new tumors elsewhere. Neuroblastoma often has no specific symptoms until it has metastasized, making it difficult to diagnose early and treat effectively.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Encouraging the parents to rock the infant is an appropriate action for a nurse to take, as it can provide comfort, security, and bonding for the infant who is recovering from surgery. Rocking can also soothe the infant's pain and distress and promote sleep and relaxation.
Choice B: Administering blood thinners as needed for pain is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take, as blood thinners are not analgesics and can cause bleeding complications in an infant who is postoperative. Blood thinners are medications that prevent or reduce blood clotting, which can increase the risk of hemorrhage or hematoma. The nurse should administer analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as prescribed by the provider for pain relief.
Choice C: Positioning the infant on her abdomen is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take, as it can cause pressure or trauma to the surgical site and increase the risk of infection or dehiscence. Positioning the infant on her abdomen can also impair the infant's breathing and oxygenation and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The nurse should position the infant on her back or side with her head elevated and supported.
Choice D: Offering the infant a pacifier is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take, as it can cause suction or friction on the surgical site and increase the risk of infection or dehiscence. Offering the infant a pacifier can also interfere with the infant's feeding and nutrition and cause nipple confusion or preference. The nurse should avoid giving the infant anything in her mouth except for a bottle or breast with a special nipple that does not touch the surgical site.
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