What are the steps for a lumbar puncture?

What are the steps for a lumbar puncture?

Although the fluid collection only takes a few minutes, the entire test takes about 20 minutes.

1. Step 1: prepare the patient. You may be given a sedative to make you drowsy and relaxed.
2. Step 2: insert the needle.
3. Step 3: measure CSF pressure (optional)
4. Step 4: insert a lumbar drain (optional)

How do clients prepare for a lumbar puncture?

The following are the nursing interventions prior to a lumbar puncture:

1. Explain the procedure to the patient.
2. Obtain informed consent.
3. Reinforce diet.
4. Promote comfort.
5. Establish a baseline assessment data.
6. Place the client in a lateral decubitus position.
7. Instruct to remain still.

What is the space for a lumbar puncture?

In lumbar puncture (LP), a needle is inserted into the lumbar subarachnoid space to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for laboratory testing, to measure CSF pressure, and sometimes to give intrathecal diagnostic or therapeutic agents.

What are the articles needed for lumbar puncture?

Lumbar puncture kits may vary slightly depending on manufacturer however the following should be included in all kits: spinal needle with a stylet (20 gauge or 22 gauge needle), four CSF collection vials, sterile drape, manometer with three-way valve, local anesthetic, syringes with needles (typically 18-gauge to draw …

What is normal opening 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.

Why is a lumbar puncture done between L3 and L4?

The insertion of a needle under local anaesthetic requires careful positioning to prevent injury to the spinal cord. Since the spinal cord ends as a solid structure around the level of the second lumbar vertebra (L2) the insertion of a needle must be below this point, usually between L3 and L4 (Fig 2).

What are the nursing intervention before a lumbar tap?

Nursing considerations Lumbar puncture is a strict aseptic technique requiring full sterile procedures. Encourage patients to drink well before and after the procedure. Positioned the patient carefully, laying on one side in a curled up position with the lumbar spine exposed (knees drawn up to the chest).

Can nurses perform lumbar punctures?

Only RNs who have satisfactorily completed an agency’s instructional program and have successfully completed the supervised clinical practice, may perform lumbar punctures.

What is the normal opening pressure of a lumbar puncture?

How is opening pressure measured?

For measurement of the opening pressure, the patient must be in the lateral recumbent position. After fluid is returned from the needle, attach the manometer through the stopcock, and note the height of the fluid column.

What is the opening pressure?

Abbreviation: OP. The pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid that is detected just after a needle is placed into the spinal canal. It is normally 100 to 180 mm H20. See also: pressure.

What is the normal CSF level?

Normal Results CSF total protein: 15 to 60 mg/100 mL. Gamma globulin: 3% to 12% of the total protein. CSF glucose: 50 to 80 mg/100 mL (or greater than two thirds of blood sugar level) CSF cell count: 0 to 5 white blood cells (all mononuclear), and no red blood cells.

What position is best after lumbar puncture?

If a patient develops headache after lumbar puncture with characteristic features, they should be encouraged to lie in a comfortable position, which is mostly in the supine position owing to the postural nature of the symptoms.

What should you monitor after a lumbar puncture?

After a spinal tap, call your local doctor immediately if:

1. You notice any unusual drainage, including bloody discharge, at the puncture site.
2. You develop a fever.
3. Your headache persists, especially if the headache is worse with sitting or standing.
4. Your pain symptoms worsen.

What is a normal opening pressure?

What is a Normal Opening Pressure? The normal range for CSF is reported differently in various sources, with most reporting a normal range of 7-18 cmH2O in adults,1 though some consider the normal range 5-25 cmH2O.

How do you calculate CSF pressure?

It is often difficult to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure in children. CSF flow through a spinal needle is described by the equation: Flow = pressure/(needle constant x relative viscosity). Thus, CSF flow rate during lumbar puncture can be used to estimate CSF pressure.

How do you measure CSF pressure?

Your doctor can monitor the pressure of the CSF in your brain using a lumbar catheter, a small, flexible tube that is placed in the lumbar spine. It is connected to a measuring device and left in place for a time to track changes in your cerebrospinal fluid pressure.