What is the highest priority action immediately following a lumbar puncture?

The highest priority action immediately following a lumbar puncture is to encourage oral fluid intake. This is essential because it helps prevent potential complications associated with the procedure, such as headache, which is a common aftereffect due to leaking cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Increasing fluid intake aids in replenishing CSF and may help to reduce the incidence and severity of post-lumbar puncture headaches.

In addition to mitigating headaches, adequate hydration supports overall recovery and can help in flushing out any potential contaminants introduced during the procedure. Encouraging the patient to drink fluids is a proactive measure that addresses the need for recovery and ongoing health.

While assessing for a gag reflex or Brudzinski sign and adjusting the head of the bed are important nursing actions, they are secondary to ensuring the patient is adequately hydrated post-procedure. Elevating the head of the bed can assist in comfort but is not prioritized over fluid intake, and neurological assessments related to reflexes could be considered later in the care process once the immediate hydration needs have been addressed.