What is nursing care after 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.
What should you monitor after a lumbar puncture?
Information gathered from a lumbar puncture can help diagnose: Serious bacterial, fungal and viral infections, including meningitis, encephalitis and syphilis. Bleeding around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage) Certain cancers involving the brain or spinal cord.
Why do you have to lay flat after a lumbar puncture?
You may be asked to lie flat to rest after the lumbar puncture is completed. You will be asked to drink extra fluids to rehydrate after the procedure. This replaces the CSF that was withdrawn during the spinal tap and reduces the chance of developing a headache.
How long do you need to lay flat after a lumbar puncture?
You will need to lie in bed for 1 to 2 hours after this procedure. This procedure may need to be repeated if your headache is not relieved.
What do you do after a lumbar puncture?
Recovering from a lumbar puncture
- drink plenty of fluids.
- take painkillers, such as paracetamol.
- lie down instead of sitting upright.
- try drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea or cola – some people find this helps to relieve the headaches.
- remove the dressing or plaster yourself the next day.
Can I sleep on my side after spinal tap?
After a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), you will be instructed to lie flat on your back, stomach, or side for four to six hours. Your blood pressure, pulse, and puncture site will be checked according to your doctor’s orders. Once you are home, you will need to lie down and rest for the remainder of the day.
Can you sit up after a lumbar puncture?
It is recommended that you rest for the remainder of the day. Lie flat on your back in bed with as little activity as possible. You may get up to use the bathroom and sit up to eat. Do not go to work until tomorrow.
How long after lumbar puncture can I shower?
Wait 48 hours before taking a bath or using a hot tub. You may shower after the procedure. On the day of your procedure, rest as much as possible.
What does red spinal fluid mean?
Finding red blood cells in the CSF may be a sign of bleeding. However, red blood cells in the CSF may also be due to the spinal tap needle hitting a blood vessel. Additional conditions which this test may help diagnose include: Arteriovenous malformation (cerebral) Cerebral aneurysm.
What is normal pressure for lumbar puncture?
The 95% reference interval for lumbar CSF opening pressure was 10 to 25 cm CSF. Body mass index had a small but clinically insignificant influence on CSF opening pressure. The currently accepted upper limit of normal recum- bent CSF opening pressure is between 18 and 20 cm CSF.
What does WBC mean in CSF?
An increase of white blood cells indicates infection, inflammation, or bleeding into the cerebrospinal fluid. Some causes include: Abscess. Encephalitis. Hemorrhage.
What is the normal color of CSF?
Normal CSF is crystal clear. However, as few as 200 white blood cells (WBCs) per mm3 or 400 red blood cells (RBCs) per mm3 will cause CSF to appear turbid.
What is the normal pressure of CSF?
Normal Results Normal values typically range as follows: Pressure: 70 to 180 mm H2O. Appearance: clear, colorless. CSF total protein: 15 to 60 mg/100 mL.
What is the recovery time for a lumbar puncture?
Before the procedure. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown,although in some cases you may have the procedure while wearing your own clothing.
How do you perform a lumbar puncture?
A lumbar puncture can be performed in two positions: Lateral recumbent. Patient on his or her side with head propped up on a single pillow to keep spine straight. Knees & torso flexed to optimise interlaminar foramen of vertebrae. Ask or use assistant to draw patient’s legs up to their chest.
What are the complications of lumbar puncture?
Post-lumbar puncture headache. Around 25% of people who have undergone a lumbar puncture develop a headache afterward due to a leak of fluid into nearby tissues.
What is the position after lumbar puncture?
What is the position after lumbar puncture? top treehozz.com. The preferred position is lying on their side (left lateral) with the patients legs flexed at the knee and pulled in towards their chest, and upper thorax curved forward in an almost foetal position.