Following a lumbar puncture, a client voices several concerns. Which concern indicates to the nurse that the client is experiencing a complication of the procedure?
"I have a headache that gets worse when I sit up."
"I am having pain in my lower back when I move my legs."
"I feel sick to my stomach and am going to throw up."
"My throat hurts badly when I swallow and when I talk."
The Correct Answer is A
A. A headache that worsens upon sitting up is characteristic of a post-lumbar puncture headache, indicating a potential complication related to cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
B. Pain in the lower back after the procedure can be normal and does not necessarily indicate a complication.
C. Nausea and vomiting can occur but are not specific indicators of a complication following a lumbar puncture.
D. Sore throat when swallowing and talking is not typically associated with lumbar puncture complications and may relate to other causes such as anxiety or dehydration.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A nursing care plan in the medical record before assessing the patient so that the nurse can identify priorities. The nurse should assess the patient first to determine their needs and priorities rather than create a care plan without assessment.
B. At least three times during the shift: at the beginning, in the middle, at the end, and as needed. Regular documentation is good practice, but the initial assessment must be documented at the beginning of the shift to establish a baseline.
C. An initial assessment of the patient and a plan based on the needs of the patient as assessed at the beginning of the shift. Documenting an initial assessment is crucial for identifying immediate needs and planning care, especially after surgery.
D. At the end of the shift so that the nurse can give full attention to the patient's needs during the shift. Waiting until the end of the shift risks missing critical changes and does not provide a clear baseline assessment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Administering aspirin is not appropriate at this time, as it may delay treatment for a stroke if that is the underlying cause.
B. Maintaining elevated positioning of the dependent joints is not a priority in this acute situation and does not address the immediate needs of the client showing signs of possible stroke.
C. Verifying laboratory tests like prothrombin time and platelet count is important but is not an immediate intervention that addresses the acute condition.
D. Starting two large bore IV catheters and reviewing criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy is crucial because the client presents with signs of a potential stroke. Rapid identification and treatment are essential to improving outcomes in acute ischemic stroke cases.