A patient is scheduled for a lumbar puncture to assess for subarachnoid hemorrhage. The nurse should check to see if which test has been performed prior to the procedure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A CT scan of the head should be performed prior to a lumbar puncture to assess for subarachnoid hemorrhage or other contraindications to the procedure. This is because lumbar puncture can cause herniation of the brain if there is increased intracranial pressure, which can be caused by a mass lesion or bleeding in the brain. A CT scan can identify these conditions and help determine if a lumbar puncture is safe to perform. Serum glucose and BUN levels are not typically checked prior to a lumbar puncture for subarachnoid hemorrhage, and a chest X-ray would not be relevant in this situation.

A Patient Is Scheduled for a Lumbar Puncture to Assess