A patient with suspected meningitis is scheduled for a lumbar puncture. What action should the nurse take before the procedure?
Transfer the patient to radiology.
Enforce NPO status for 4 hours.
Help the patient to a lateral position.
Administer a sedative medication.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Transfer the patient to radiology: Lumbar punctures are typically performed at the bedside in the patient's room or in a procedure room, not in radiology.
B. Enforce NPO status for 4 hours: NPO (nothing by mouth) status is not typically required before a lumbar puncture unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider for a particular reason.
C. Help the patient to a lateral position: Before a lumbar puncture, the patient should be placed in a lateral recumbent position (usually on their side with knees flexed towards the chest) to facilitate the procedure and minimize the risk of complications such as post-dural puncture headache.
D. Administer a sedative medication: Sedative medications are not routinely administered before a lumbar puncture, as they can alter the patient's level of consciousness and interfere with neurological assessment during and after the procedure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Catheterize for residual urine after voiding: While catheterization for residual urine may be necessary in some cases, it is not the most appropriate long-term solution for managing a neurogenic reflexic bladder. It does not promote patient independence or long-term bladder health.
B. Instruct the patient how to self-catheterize: Self-catheterization empowers the patient to manage their bladder function independently and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections
associated with indwelling catheters. It is the preferred method for managing neurogenic bladder in patients with spinal cord injury.
C. Assist the patient to the toilet every 2 hours: While assisting the patient to the toilet at regular intervals may help prevent urinary accidents, it does not address the underlying issue of neurogenic bladder or promote long-term bladder management.
D. Teach the patient to use the Credé method: The Credé method involves applying manual pressure to the bladder to promote voiding. While it may be used in some situations, it is not the preferred method for managing neurogenic bladder, especially in patients with spinal cord injury.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Call the health care provider if stools are tarry: This instruction is more relevant to medications such as aspirin or NSAIDs, which can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Clopidogrel, while also an antiplatelet medication, is less likely to cause gastrointestinal bleeding compared to aspirin.
B. Clopidogrel will reduce cerebral artery plaque formation: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet
medication that inhibits platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the formation of blood clots and potentially slowing the progression of atherosclerosis by preventing further plaque formation.
C. Clopidogrel will dissolve clots in the cerebral arteries: While clopidogrel can help prevent the formation of new clots, it does not actively dissolve existing clots in the cerebral arteries. Its primary mechanism of action is to inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent clot formation.
D. Monitor and record the blood pressure daily: While monitoring blood pressure is important for managing cerebral atherosclerosis and reducing the risk of stroke, it is not directly related to the action of clopidogrel. Blood pressure management may involve lifestyle modifications and other medications but is not specific to clopidogrel administration.
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