c. Nursing implications.
(1) Review the patient's clinical record to determine the reason for the
patient's scheduled lumbar puncture procedure and what the patient has been told
about the procedure.
(2)
Assemble the necessary equipment.
(a)
Sterile disposable lumbar tray.
(b) Overbed table.
(c)
Sterile gloves.
(d) Betaine solution.
(e) Local anesthetic.
(f)
Labels.
(g)
Laboratory request slips.
(3)
Approach and identify the patient.
(4) Interview the patient to determine his/her knowledge of the purpose of
the lumbar puncture procedure.
(5) As indicated, explain to the patient the specific purpose of the lumbar
puncture procedure. Explain purpose in a manner consistent with that offered by the
physician to avoid confusing the patient.
(6)
Explain the procedure to the patient.
d. Procedure.
(1)
Ask the patient to empty his/her bladder.
(2)
Position the patient.
(a) Lateral recumbent, at the edge of the bed, knees drawn up to
abdomen, and chin tucked to chest.
(b) To help the patient maintain this position, the nursing
paraprofessional places one hand behind the patient's neck and the other behind
patient's knees to help support the patient's position throughout the procedure.
MD0919
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