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Question

Difficulty: EasyBasic Care and Comfort

A newly admitted young adult has completed a diagnostic lumbar puncture on the medical unit. To minimize the risk of post-procedure complications, which position should the nurse encourage the client to maintain?

  1. Supine with the head of the bed flatAnswer
  2. B
    Semi-Fowler's with the knees slightly bent
  3. C
    Left lateral position with the chin tucked
  4. D
    High-Fowler's position with a pillow behind the head

Answer

Supine with the head of the bed flat
Following a lumbar puncture, the client must remain flat in a supine position for a prescribed number of hours. This flat position minimizes hydrostatic pressure on the dural puncture site in the lower back, reducing the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and the subsequent development of a severe spinal headache.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the completed procedure.
The client had a lumbar puncture, which involves a needle entering the subarachnoid space in the lower spine.
Understanding the anatomy of the procedure helps identify potential post-procedure risks.
2
Identify the primary complication associated with this procedure.
The most common and preventable complication is a post-dural puncture headache caused by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
Nursing interventions for basic care and comfort post-procedure focus on minimizing this specific risk.
3
Select the position that minimizes pressure on the puncture site.
Remaining flat keeps hydrostatic pressure off the lower spine, reducing the chance of a leak.
Gravity increases pressure on the lower spine if the head is elevated.

Key Concept

Post-lumbar puncture positioning
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Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

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