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: Allowing for imaginative play with peers without supervision is not an appropriate intervention for a child who has autism spectrum disorder, as it can cause frustration, anxiety, or isolation for the child. A child who has autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty with social skills, communication, and imagination, which can affect their ability to interact and play with others. The nurse should provide structured and supervised play activities that promote socialization and cooperation.
Choice B: Providing a completely unpredictable schedule that adjusts to the child's interests is not an appropriate intervention for a child who has autism spectrum disorder, as it can cause confusion, stress, or tantrums for the child. A child who has autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty with transitions, changes, and flexibility, which can affect their ability to cope and adapt to different situations. The nurse should provide a consistent and predictable schedule that follows a routine and gives clear expectations.
Choice C: Allowing for adjustment of rules to correlate with the child's behavior is not an appropriate intervention for a child who has autism spectrum disorder, as it can cause inconsistency, insecurity, or manipulation for the child. A child who has autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty understanding and following rules, which can affect their ability to behave and function appropriately. The nurse should provide firm and fair rules that are enforced consistently and respectfully.
Choice D: Establishing a reward system for positive behavior with prizes is an appropriate intervention for a child who has autism spectrum disorder, as it can provide motivation, reinforcement, and feedback for the child. A child who has autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty with learning and performing new skills, which can affect their ability to achieve and succeed. The nurse should provide a reward system that recognizes and rewards positive behavior with tangible or intangible prizes.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: This information is incorrect, as the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP) vaccine is usually given at 2 months of age, not 2 weeks. The DTaP vaccine protects against three serious bacterial diseases that can cause respiratory infections, nerve damage, or death. The DTaP vaccine is given in five doses at 2, 4, 6, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years of age.
Choice B: This information is correct, as the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is usually given within 24 hours of birth or prior to discharge from the hospital. The hepatitis B vaccine protects against a viral infection that can cause liver inflammation, cirrhosis, or cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is given in three doses at birth, 1 to 2 months, and 6 to 18 months of age.
Choice C: This information is incorrect, as the first dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is usually given at 12 to 15 months of age, not 6 months. The MMR vaccine protects against three viral diseases that can cause fever, rash, swelling of glands, or complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, or deafness. The MMR vaccine is given in two doses at 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years of age.
Choice D: This information is incorrect, as the first dose of the pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccine is usually given at 2 months of age, not on the first birthday. The PCV13 vaccine protects against a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis. The PCV13 vaccine is given in four doses at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age.
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