The purpose of a spinal tap procedure.
Discuss the purpose of a spinal tap procedure.
Include what anatomical body position the patient should remain in following a spinal tap procedure
Explain your answer
Sample Solution
A spinal tap procedure, also known as a lumbar puncture or LP, is an invasive diagnostic test used to assess the health of the central nervous system. It involves inserting a needle into the lower spine in order to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for laboratory analysis. A spinal tap procedure canprovide information about possible infections, bleeding, inflammation and other pathologies that may be affecting this delicate structure. This type of medical intervention is sometimes recommended when neurological disorders like meningitis or encephalitis are suspected.
The insertion site for a spinal tap procedure is typically the L3/L4 vertebrae located at the lower end of the spine in between two large muscles called iliopsoas muscles which run along either side of it. The patient should remain lying down on their side with their head slightly tilted backward during this type of medical intervention as it helps ensure that there’s enough space between vertebral bones where the needle will be inserted. It is important for patients to keep still before, during and after a spinal tap procedure so that no further injury occurs from unnecessary movements.
Once everything has been properly set up and prepped by both doctor and patient alike, then an anesthetic solution will be injected into the area around where the needle will be inserted in order for pain relief before any actual penetration commences. Afterward, there tends to be some pressure experienced when CSF begins flowing through due to its viscosity but this sensation usually subsides soon after its collection process has been completed altogether which takes no more than 10 minutes total on average depending on how many samples need taken at once time-wise speaking that is..
Afterwards posture wise following a spinal tap procedure ,the best position would be one where they were laying flat on their back with legs slightly elevated using multiple pillows if available; however aside from just positioning themselves comfortably per say ,it’s also highly advised not to perform physical activities such as bending over or lifting anything heavy until roughly 12 hours afterwards especially given how sensitive your spine can become post-procedure . In fact due its already pressurized state after having gone through such intrusions via needles essentially being involved therefore it’s quite important not place any additional strain upon said area otherwise that could potentially worsen existing complications even more so . Ultimately though since everyone's body reacts differently towards different types treatments ,following up with physician regarding what course action works best specifically them always key component ensuring good long term outcomes overall .