Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
LUMBAR PUNCTURE ASSISTANCE IN A CHILD
Assistance with collection of cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Purpose
- Diagnose CNS infections
- Detect bleeding
- Measure CSF pressure
- Administer intrathecal medications
Indications
- Suspected meningitis
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Increased ICP evaluation
- Chemotherapy administration
Equipment
- Lumbar puncture tray
- Sterile drapes
- Local anesthetic
- Manometer
- Collection tubes
- Sterile gloves
- Positioning aids
Preparation
- Obtain consent
- Prepare child/family
- Gather equipment
- Plan positioning
Procedure steps
- Explain procedure
- Position child appropriately
- Perform hand hygiene
- Assist with sterile setup
- Help maintain position
- Monitor child during procedure
- Apply dressing
- Monitor post-procedure
Precautions
- Maintain sterility
- Monitor positioning
- Watch for complications
- Ensure adequate immobilization
Aftercare
- Monitor vital signs
- Assess puncture site
- Encourage fluids
- Monitor for headache
Nursing considerations
- Use age-appropriate positioning
- Provide emotional support
- Consider sedation needs
Patient education
- Explain purpose
- Discuss post-procedure care
- Teach signs of complications
Documentation
- Procedure time
- CSF appearance
- Number of attempts
- Complications
- Patient tolerance
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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