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 C
Explanation
Choice A: Improving the client's school attendance skills is not the priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which is a condition that affects one side of the body and causes muscle weakness, spasticity, and impaired coordination. Improving the client's school attendance skills is a long-term goal that requires collaboration with the school staff, the child, and the parents. The priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy is to ensure their safety and mobility at home.
Choice B: Providing teaching on self-care activities is not the priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which is a condition that affects one side of the body and causes muscle weakness, spasticity, and impaired coordination. Providing teaching on self-care activities is an important goal that requires assessment of the child's abilities, needs, and preferences. The priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy is to ensure their safety and mobility at home.
Choice C: Modifying the environment for optimal safety and mobility is the priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which is a condition that affects one side of the body and causes muscle weakness, spasticity, and impaired coordination. Modifying the environment for optimal safety and mobility can prevent falls, injuries, or complications and promote independence and function. The nurse should include interventions such as removing clutter, securing rugs, installing grab bars, providing adaptive equipment, and arranging furniture.
Choice D: Providing counseling services for the parents is not the priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which is a condition that affects one side of the body and causes muscle weakness, spasticity, and impaired coordination. Providing counseling services for the parents is a supportive goal that requires referral to appropriate resources, such as social workers, psychologists, or support groups. The priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy is to ensure their safety and mobility at home.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is correct because a child who has nephrotic syndrome is the most appropriate roommate for a child who has leukemia. Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes proteinuria, edema, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia. It does not pose any risk of infection or injury to the child who has leukemia, and it does not require any isolation or special precautions. Therefore, placing these two children in the same room can help to conserve resources and promote socialization.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because a child recovering from a ruptured appendix is not an appropriate roommate for a child who has leukemia. A ruptured appendix is a medical emergency that occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and bursts, releasing bacteria and pus into the abdominal cavity. It may cause peritonitis, sepsis, or abscess formation, and it requires surgery and antibiotics. It may pose a risk of infection to a child who has leukemia, who has a weakened immune system due to chemotherapy or bone marrow suppression. Therefore, placing these two children in the same room can increase the chance of cross-contamination and complications.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because a child who has rheumatic fever is not an appropriate roommate for a child who has leukemia. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that occurs as a complication of streptococcal infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. It may affect the heart, joints, skin, or nervous system, and it requires anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications. It may pose a risk of infection to the child who has leukemia, who has a compromised immune system due to cancer or treatment. Therefore, placing these two children in the same room can increase the likelihood of transmission and infection.
Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because a child who has cystic fibrosis is not an appropriate roommate for a child who has leukemia. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the mucus glands of the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, and reproductive organs. It causes thick and sticky mucus to build up in the organs, leading to chronic lung infections, pancreatic insufficiency, malnutrition, and infertility. It requires respiratory therapy, enzyme supplements, nutritional support, and antibiotics. It may pose a risk of infection to the child who has leukemia, who has a reduced ability to fight germs due to malignancy or therapy. Therefore, placing these two children in the same room can increase the possibility of exposure and infection.

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