Which nursing action would be implemented after a client has a lumbar puncture?

A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is a diagnostic and at times therapeutic procedure that is performed in order to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory analysis, or rarely to relieve increased intracranial pressure. X-Rays pictures are used to image the spine.

Inhaltsverzeichnis Show

Patient Safety Tips Prior to a Lumbar Puncture
Preparation for the procedure
During the procedure
After the procedure
Related Content
[The patients' care after lumbar puncture: hydration and bed rest?]
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Publication types
MeSH terms
Which nursing action would be implemented after a client had a lumbar puncture?
Which nursing action would be implemented after a client has a lumbar puncture quizlet?
What are possible complications after a lumbar puncture that the nurse should assess for quizlet?
Which finding is most suggestive that the client's intracranial pressure is increasing?

Patient Safety Tips Prior to a Lumbar Puncture

Please let us know if you have any allergies or adverse reactions to medications.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, please tell your doctor or technologist.
Please leave your valuables at home or in your room in the hospital.
Please let us now if you need interpreting services, this can be arranged for you.
Please bring a list of your current medications with you (out-patient). Stop taking Aspirin or aspirin-containing products at least 5 days prior to the procedure. If you are taking other blood thinning medications (Plavix, Coumadin or warfarin, Lovenox, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as Motrin®, Ibuprofen), contact your doctor to discuss.
For outpatients, a responsible adult must accompany you home after the exam.

Preparation for the procedure

Outpatients, please arrive 60 minutes before the scheduled exam time.
The technologist will verify your identification and exam requested.
There will be an opportunity for you to talk to the radiologist about the plan for the procedure and give your consent.
Bring any x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans of your spine or brain to the hospital.

During the procedure

The duration of the procedure will vary, but the average is about 1 hour.
The technologist will position you on the exam table, usually on your stomach.
The technologist and radiologist will be available to answer any questions.

After the procedure

After the procedure, you will be brought into the Radiology holding area for observation.
It is important to remain flat on your back as much as possible.
Drink extra fluids for the remainder of the day. Avoid drinks with alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours.
If you feel any symptoms such as fever, chills, increase in back pain at rest, difficulty moving your legs or abnormal sensations in your legs, let the nurse know, or call your doctor, or if you are very worried visit an emergency room.

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. 2005 Jan-Mar;24(1):25-7.

[Article in Italian]

Affiliations

PMID: 15997578

[The patients' care after lumbar puncture: hydration and bed rest?]

[Article in Italian]

Marina Vanzetta et al. Assist Inferm Ric. 2005 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Headache after cervical or lumbar puncture has long been attributed to early mobilization; however, several trials and meta-analysis did not show any benefit from bed rest.

Aim: The aim of the survey was to describe the patients' care after lumbar puncture.

Methods: A phone interview was administered to the head nurses of 50 neurological wards of Lumbardy and Veneto Region.

Results: All patients are kept at bed rest after the procedure from 3 to 24 hours. They are hydrated in 45 centres (i.v. or per os) with amounts of fluids ranging from 500 to 2500 ml. In 14 wards the patients fast until the afternoon, and are allowed only fluids.

Conclusions: Although there is no evidence for the use of increased fluids or bed rest to prevent post dural puncture headache, these and other non evidence based practices continue to be used. Further research is warranted on strategies to implement an evidence based patients care.

Cited by

Posture and fluids for preventing post-dural puncture headache.
Arevalo-Rodriguez I, Ciapponi A, Roqué i Figuls M, Muñoz L, Bonfill Cosp X. Arevalo-Rodriguez I, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Mar 7;3(3):CD009199. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009199.pub3. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016. PMID: 26950232 Free PMC article. Review.

Publication types

MeSH terms

Which nursing action would be implemented after a client had a lumbar puncture?

The nurse should note of the following nursing interventions post-lumbar puncture: Apply brief pressure to the puncture site. Pressure will be applied to avoid bleeding, and the site is covered by a small occlusive dressing or band-aid. Place the patient flat on bed.

Which nursing action would be implemented after a client has a lumbar puncture quizlet?

A client is scheduled for a lumbar puncture. What nursing care should be implemented after the procedure? Staying flat may help to prevent spinal fluid leakage and postprocedure headache; this is recommended, even though some people develop a headache despite this precaution.

What are possible complications after a lumbar puncture that the nurse should assess for quizlet?

The nurse should immediately contact the provider if the client experiences a severe headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, or a change in level of consciousness after an LP, which are all signs of increased intracranial pressure. Weak pedal pulses, increased thirst, and hives are not complications of an LP.

Which finding is most suggestive that the client's intracranial pressure is increasing?

In general, symptoms and signs that suggest a rise in ICP including headache, vomiting without nausea, ocular palsies, altered level of consciousness, back pain and papilledema. If papilledema is protracted, it may lead to visual disturbances, optic atrophy, and eventually blindness.