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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because having them share a room with a child with active mumps may expose them to infection and worsen their condition. A child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents has a weakened immune system and is more susceptible to infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Therefore, they should be placed in a private room or cohorted with another immunosuppressed child.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because restricting oral fluids may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents. A child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents may have increased fluid losses from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or sweating. Therefore, they should be encouraged to drink adequate fluids to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because strict isolation may cause psychological distress and social isolation in the child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents. A child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents may benefit from protective isolation, which involves using standard precautions and additional measures such as wearing gloves, gowns, masks, or eye protection when in contact with the child or their body fluids. However, strict isolation, which involves limiting visitors and activities, may harm the child's emotional and developmental well-being.
Choice D reason: This choice is correct because using good handwashing is essential nursing care for a child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents. Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of microorganisms that can cause infections. The nurse should wash their hands before and after touching the child or their belongings, and teach the child and their family members to do the same. The nurse should also use alcohol-based hand rubs when water and soap are not available.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: A 3-year-old child is not developmentally ready to descend stairs by placing both feet on each step and holding on to the railing. A 3-year-old child can walk up stairs alternating feet with one hand held by an adult or on the railing. A 3-year-old child can also walk down stairs placing both feet on each step with one hand held by an adult.
Choice B: A 4-year-old child is developmentally able to descend stairs by placing both feet on each step and holding on to the railing. A 4-year-old child can also walk up stairs alternating feet without assistance.
Choice C: A 5-year-old child is developmentally more advanced than descending stairs by placing both feet on each step and holding on to the railing. A 5-year-old child can walk up and down stairs alternating feet without assistance.
Choice D: A 6-year-old child is developmentally more advanced than descending stairs by placing both feet on each step and holding on to the railing. A 6-year-old child can walk up and down stairs alternating feet without assistance and can also hop and skip on one foot.
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