95: Lumbar Puncture (Perform)

PROCEDURE 95


imageLumbar Puncture (Perform)





PREREQUISITE NURSING KNOWLEDGE




• Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the vertebral column, spinal meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation, including the location of the lumbar cistern, is needed.


• Technical and clinical competence in performing lumbar punctures (LPs) is necessary.


• Knowledge of sterile technique is needed.


• The presence of meningeal irritation caused by either infectious meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage may promote discomfort when the patient is placed in the flexed, lateral decubitus position for the LP.35,17


• Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) supersedes the routine use of LP for many diagnoses.5,7,18,28


• Indications for LP include the following4,5,18,28:



• Contraindications for LP include the following3,18,28,29:



• Normal CSF values include the following18,20,23,28:



• Recommended CSF tests include the following18,20,23,28




EQUIPMENT




• Sterile gloves, caps, masks with eye shields or goggles, and sterile gowns


• Sterile drapes


• Sterile gauze pads


• Antiseptic solution


• Fenestrated drape


• Manometer with three-way stopcock


• Lidocaine, 1% to 2% (without epinephrine)

Jun 4, 2016 | Posted by in CRITICAL CARE | Comments Off on 95: Lumbar Puncture (Perform)

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

Get Clinical Tree app for offline access