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Difficulty: EasyBasic Care and Comfort

An adult client has just arrived at the medical-surgical unit after undergoing a lumbar puncture. To prevent a common post-procedure complication, how should the nurse position this client in bed?

  1. Flat in a supine positionAnswer
  2. B
    Elevated in a high Fowler's position
  3. C
    Lateral with knees flexed toward the chest
  4. D
    Semi-Fowler's with the lower extremities elevated

Answer

The client should be positioned flat in a supine position to prevent a spinal headache.
Following a lumbar puncture, the primary goal is to prevent a spinal headache, which occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from the puncture site. Keeping the client flat in a supine position for a prescribed period reduces pressure on the spinal column and minimizes this leakage.

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 major complication associated with a lumbar puncture.
A post-lumbar puncture headache (spinal headache) caused by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
Anticipating complications guides the appropriate nursing intervention.
3
Select the position that minimizes this complication.
A flat, supine position.
Lying flat reduces hydrostatic pressure at the puncture site, decreasing CSF leakage and the likelihood of a headache.

Key Concept

Post-Lumbar Puncture Positioning
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Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

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