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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: This statement is correct, as the mother should notify the doctor if the child's temperature is not controlled with acetaminophen, which is an antipyretic and analgesic medication that can lower fever and relieve pain. A high fever can increase the child's metabolic rate and insulin requirements, which can lead to hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis.
Choice B: This statement is incorrect, as the mother should check the child's blood sugar more frequently than two times every day, especially when the child is sick. An upper respiratory infection can cause inflammation and stress hormones, which can increase the child's blood sugar levels and insulin needs. The mother should monitor the child's blood sugar at least four times a day or more often if indicated by symptoms or ketone testing.
Choice C: This statement is correct, as the mother should encourage the child to drink half a cup of water or sugar-free fluids every 30 minutes, which can prevent dehydration and flush out excess glucose and ketones from the body. Dehydration can worsen hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis, which are serious complications of diabetes.
Choice D: This statement is correct, as the mother should report a change in the child's breathing or any signs of confusion, which can indicate respiratory distress or cerebral edema. Respiratory distress can occur due to hypoxia or acidosis, which can impair oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide elimination. Cerebral edema can occur due to fluid shifts or electrolyte imbalances, which can cause increased intracranial pressure and neurological impairment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: This instruction is incorrect, as withholding insulin dose if feeling nauseous can cause hyperglycemia, which is high blood sugar, and diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body breaks down fat for energy and produces ketones. Ketones are acidic substances that can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, or coma. The child should take their insulin dose as prescribed and monitor their blood sugar levels more frequently when they are sick.
Choice B: This instruction is unnecessary, as notifying the provider if blood glucose levels are within normal parameters does not require any action or intervention. The child and the parents should notify the provider if blood glucose levels are above or below the target range, which is usually 70 to 180 mg/dL for children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The child and the parents should also notify the provider if they have any signs or symptoms of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Choice C: This instruction is incorrect, as limiting fluid intake during mealtime can cause dehydration, which can worsen the symptoms and complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Dehydration can cause increased thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, or dizziness. The child should drink plenty of fluids during meal time and throughout the day to hydrate their body and flush out excess glucose and ketones.
Choice D: This instruction is correct, as testing the urine for ketones can help detect diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body breaks down fat for energy and produces ketones. Ketones are acidic substances that can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, or coma. The child should test their urine for ketones when their blood sugar levels are above 240 mg/dL or when they are sick. The child and the parents should notify the provider if the urine test shows moderate or large amounts of ketones.
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