The nurse is caring for an infant with suspected meningitis and preparing to assist with a lumbar puncture. What is the appropriate nursing intervention?

Question

The nurse is caring for an infant with suspected meningitis and preparing to assist with a lumbar puncture.  What is the appropriate nursing intervention?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_caf0_5081_b433_278fe8bbc10d_MD0009_00 The optimal position for access during a lumbar puncture is to have the client's head and knees tucked in and the back rounded out. This provides the most room for the health care provider (HCP) to perform the procedure and allows for a good hold to keep the client still. A lumbar puncture is a sensitive procedure, and it is important to keep the child from moving during needle insertion. (Option A) Unless the client has improper air exchange, oxygen administration is not needed. The nasal cannula will most likely bother the child and lead to unnecessary movement during needle placement. (Option B) The HCP performing the lumbar puncture will feel the spine for correct needle placement and then sterilize and prepare the chosen area for needle insertion. (Option D) Unless the client is unstable, there is no need to record vital signs every 15 minutes. The client should be awake and alert, and the procedure should be fairly short in duration. Educational objective: Performing a lumbar puncture on a child is a very sensitive procedure that requires accuracy. The correct position and ability to hold the child still are important to achieve the best result and minimize the risk for complications.

The Nurse Is Caring for an Infant with Suspected Meningitis