A nurse is providing care for an older adult client who has just returned to the unit following a diagnostic lumbar puncture. The client reports a headache, and family members express concern that the client is suddenly exhibiting mild confusion. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
- AElevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees to help alleviate the client's headache.
- BDocument the sudden confusion as an expected physiological change of the aging process.
- Maintain the client in a flat, supine position for the prescribed duration.Cevap
- DDelegate the initial evaluation of the lumbar puncture dressing to the unlicensed assistive personnel.
Cevap
The most appropriate action is to maintain the client in a flat, supine position for the prescribed duration to prevent or manage a post-dural puncture headache.
Following a lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can leak from the dural puncture site, leading to decreased intracranial pressure and a severe post-dural puncture (spinal) headache. Maintaining the client in a flat, supine (or prone) position for a prescribed period—typically 4 to 8 hours—minimizes this fluid leakage. This promotes comfort, stabilizes CSF pressure, and is a foundational basic care intervention following this specific procedure.
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Anahtar Kavram
Post-lumbar puncture positioning and basic care