A client has had a lumbar puncture. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

A client has had a lumbar puncture. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. Provide oral fluids
• B. Monitor for hair loss
• C. Advise bed rest for 72 hours
• D. Administer a diuretic

Answer: (A)

The key idea is preventing and identifying complications after a lumbar puncture, especially a post–dural puncture headache from CSF leakage. Encouraging oral fluids helps maintain hydration, which supports overall CSF dynamics and can help reduce the risk or severity of a post-procedure headache as the patient recovers. Hair loss isn’t related to a lumbar puncture, so monitoring for it isn’t relevant to the immediate post-procedure care. A diuretic would increase urine production and could worsen dehydration and CSF dynamics, making it inappropriate after LP. Advising bed rest for 72 hours is excessive and not indicated; while a short period of rest may be advised, prolonged bed rest is not necessary and could lead to other complications.

The key idea is preventing and identifying complications after a lumbar puncture, especially a post–dural puncture headache from CSF leakage. Encouraging oral fluids helps maintain hydration, which supports overall CSF dynamics and can help reduce the risk or severity of a post-procedure headache as the patient recovers.

Hair loss isn’t related to a lumbar puncture, so monitoring for it isn’t relevant to the immediate post-procedure care. A diuretic would increase urine production and could worsen dehydration and CSF dynamics, making it inappropriate after LP. Advising bed rest for 72 hours is excessive and not indicated; while a short period of rest may be advised, prolonged bed rest is not necessary and could lead to other complications.