After a lumbar puncture, what position should the nurse assist the client to maintain?

After a lumbar puncture, what position should the nurse assist the client to maintain?

• A. Sitting upright
• B. Flat
• C. Lying on the side
• D. Supine with legs raised

Answer: (B)

Following a lumbar puncture, it is important for the client to maintain a flat position to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of potential complications. Keeping the patient flat helps to decrease the occurrence of post-procedure headaches, which can arise from a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure after the puncture. This position allows the body to better manage the CSF levels, ensuring that any potential leaks can stabilize without placing undue stress on the puncture site. Additionally, lying flat reduces the gravitational pull on the spinal column, which can assist in preventing complications related to the procedure. While alternative positions may seem comfortable, they can lead to increased risk of headaches or other post-procedure issues, making the flat position the most appropriate for recovery.

Following a lumbar puncture, it is important for the client to maintain a flat position to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of potential complications. Keeping the patient flat helps to decrease the occurrence of post-procedure headaches, which can arise from a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure after the puncture.

This position allows the body to better manage the CSF levels, ensuring that any potential leaks can stabilize without placing undue stress on the puncture site. Additionally, lying flat reduces the gravitational pull on the spinal column, which can assist in preventing complications related to the procedure.

While alternative positions may seem comfortable, they can lead to increased risk of headaches or other post-procedure issues, making the flat position the most appropriate for recovery.