English for Nurses: Lumbar Puncture

Part 1: Vocabulary: lumbar puncture

Listen to the pronunciation of these terms

• meningitis
• cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
• raised intracranial pressure
• hydrocephalus
• encephalitis
• flexed
• rlateral recumbent
• lumbar puncture
• vertebral space

Match the terms from the vocabulary list with their correct meanings.

Part 2: Read the text bellow. Then complete the sentences that follow.

A lumbar puncture is a procedure during which a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is taken out of the lumbar region of the spine. Lumbar punctures are sometimes called spinal taps. Lumbar punctures are often done to assist doctors make a diagnosis of a cerebral infection, e.g. meningitis or encephalitis or to confirm bleeding in the brain or spinal cord. Detection of unusual cells in the CSF can also be a sign of a neurological disorder. Lumbar punctures can also check the pressure of the CSF.

Before the procedure is performed, patients are positioned in a lateral recumbent position with their knees flexed towards their chest. This position ensures that the space between the lumbar vertebrae is wide enough for safe insertion of a lumbar puncture needle to draw out the cerebrospinal fluid.

Following the procedure, patients lie flat for one to two hours and are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activity when they return home. A common after-effect of lumbar punctures is a headache which usually resolves after a few days with increased fluid take and simple pain-relieving medication

1. A lumbar puncture is a test to check the fluid/blood/tissue that circulates around the brain and spinal cord. This is called the cerebrospinal fluid or CSF.
    
2. A lumbar puncture may be used to diagnose a muscle/brain/nerve or spine condition
    
3. Before the lumbar puncture, patients lie on their side with their knees/feet/neck pulled up to their chest
    
4. During the procedure, a needle is slowly inserted into the upper/lower back, between the vertebrae/spinal cord
    

Part 3: Vocabulary: Nursing care of a patient who is having a lumbar puncture.

Watch the video below and check the things the nurse does (Yes) or does not do (No) during the dialogue.

• Reassures the patient about the procedure: Yes/No
• Asks for the patient’s consent for the procedure: Yes/No
• Explains the position the patient needs to be in for the procedure: Yes/No
• Explains only the doctor preforming the procedure will be present: Yes/No
• Confirms that he will remain with the patient throughout the procedure: Yes/No
• Gives information about aftercare of the spinal wound: Yes/No
• Advises the patient to contact her doctor to say she has had the procedure: Yes/No
• Warns the patient about activity levels after the procedure: Yes/No

Watch the video again and check your answers. The transcript is at the end of the answer key.