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Question

Difficulty: EasyBasic Care and Comfort

A client arrives at the medical-surgical unit immediately after undergoing a lumbar puncture. To promote comfort and minimize post-procedure complications, which of the following positions should the nurse maintain the client in?

  1. Supine with the head of the bed flatAnswer
  2. B
    High-Fowler's position with the knees slightly flexed
  3. C
    Semi-Fowler's position with a thick pillow under the head
  4. D
    Prone position with the lower extremities elevated

Answer

The client should be maintained in a supine position with the head of the bed flat.
Following a lumbar puncture, it is standard practice to keep the client lying flat in a supine position. This fundamental intervention equalizes pressure in the spinal canal and prevents the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the dural puncture site, thereby significantly reducing the risk of a post-puncture spinal headache.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the procedure the client just underwent.
The client had a lumbar puncture.
Different procedures require specific post-operative positioning to prevent complications.
2
Determine the primary physiological risk associated with a lumbar puncture.
The main risks include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and subsequent spinal headaches.
Understanding the risk guides the appropriate nursing intervention for comfort and safety.
3
Select the position that minimizes this specific risk.
Lying flat in a supine position is required.
A flat position equalizes CSF pressure and prevents fluid from leaking out of the puncture site.

Key Concept

Post-Lumbar Puncture Positioning
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Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

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