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: Skin cancer is a malignant growth of the skin cells, which can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, genetic mutations, or immunosuppression. Skin cancer does not affect the mouth and does not cause a white, milky plaque. Skin cancer may cause changes in the color, shape, size, or texture of a mole or a skin lesion.
Choice B: Candidiasis or thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth, which can be caused by overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast that normally lives in the body. Candidiasis or thrush can occur in people who have a weakened immune system, such as those who have a systemic disorder, take antibiotics, immunosuppressants, or corticosteroids, or have a smoking history. Candidiasis or thrush can cause soreness in the mouth and difficulty eating. Candidiasis or thrush can also cause a white, milky plaque that does not come off with rubbing.
Choice C: Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that affects the squamous cells, which are flat cells that form the outer layer of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma can occur in areas that are exposed to sun damage, such as the face, ears, lips, or neck. Squamous cell carcinoma does not affect the mouth and does not cause a white, milky plaque. Squamous cell carcinoma may cause a red, scaly, crusty, or bleeding bump or patch on the skin.
Choice D: Herpes simplex is a viral infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes, such as the mouth, lips, genitals, or eyes. Herpes simplex is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person or object. Herpes simplex does not cause a white, milky plaque. Herpes simplex may cause painful blisters or ulcers that burst and form scabs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: This instruction is correct, as iron supplements can cause a change in the color and consistency of stools, making them dark, green, or black. This is not a sign of bleeding or infection, but a normal side effect of iron therapy. The parents should be informed of this possibility and reassured that it is harmless.
Choice B: This instruction is incorrect, as iron supplements should not be administered at bedtime, but rather one hour before or two hours after meals. This is because iron absorption is reduced by food, especially dairy products, antacids, or calcium supplements. The parents should be instructed to give the medication on an empty stomach or with a small amount of food if it causes nausea.
Choice C: This instruction is incorrect, as iron supplements should not be given with milk, as milk contains calcium, which can interfere with iron absorption and reduce its effectiveness. The parents should be instructed to avoid giving milk or other dairy products within two hours of the medication.
Choice D: This instruction is incorrect, as iron supplements should not be administered at mealtimes, but rather one hour before or two hours after meals. This is because iron absorption is reduced by food, especially dairy products, antacids, or calcium supplements. The parents should be instructed to give the medication on an empty stomach or with a small amount of food if it causes nausea.
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