What should a nurse do immediately after a lumbar puncture is completed?

After a lumbar puncture is completed, monitoring the child for any signs of complications is essential and should be done immediately. This procedure involves inserting a needle into the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region to collect cerebrospinal fluid, and there are potential risks associated with it, such as headache, infection, or bleeding.

Observation for complications is critical as symptoms may manifest shortly after the procedure. Nurses should look for signs such as severe headache (which may indicate a CSF leak), back pain, neurological deficits, or any changes in the child's condition. Early detection of these signs allows for prompt intervention, which is crucial in preventing further complications.

While other options, such as conducting a full neurological assessment or administering hydration fluids, may also be important components of care, they are not the immediate priorities right after the lumbar puncture. Encouraging movement right away is generally contraindicated, as the child should remain still to reduce the risk of complications. Hence, continuous monitoring is the best practice following this procedure to ensure patient safety and guide the next steps in care.