A patient is scheduled for a lumbar puncture. Which of the following statements indicates the patient understands the procedure?

Explanation

• Lumbar puncture involves the insertion of a needle into the subarachnoid space and the removal of cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

• To prevent injury, the patient must not move during the insertion of the needle into the spinal canal. The patient will need to lie on his/her side, curling forward so that the knees are flexed toward the chest with the chin touching the knees.

• After the procedure the patient will have to lie flat for 4-8 hours depending on physician, hospital protocol, or if the patient has continued signs of a headache.

• Electrical activity associated with innervations of skeletal muscle is measured through electromyography. Electroencephalography involves studying brain waves, not lumbar puncture.

• Lumbar puncture does not require that dyes be injected into the body.

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