NCLEX Chronic Illness Practice Questions Related

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The nurse is preparing an adolescent diagnosed with leukemia for a lumbar puncture. The nurse determines that the child understands the reason for the procedure when the child states that the procedure is done to:

  • A. Make sure I don't have meningitis along with my cancer.
  • B. Relieve some of the pressure on my brain.
  • C. Remove the blood cancer cells so I don't have to have surgery.
  • D. Check to see if the cancer has spread through my spinal cord and brain.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A lumbar puncture (LP) in leukemia is performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to check for central nervous system (CNS) involvement cancer cells spreading to the spinal cord and brain a critical staging step that influences treatment, like intrathecal chemotherapy. The adolescent's statement about checking for spread reflects accurate understanding, essential for informed consent and reducing anxiety through clarity. Ruling out meningitis is a possible LP use, but in leukemia, CNS metastasis is the primary concern unless symptoms suggest infection. Relieving brain pressure applies to conditions like hydrocephalus, not leukemia's typical presentation. Removing cancer cells via LP isn't a treatment; it's diagnostic. The nurse's confirmation of this understanding ensures the child is prepared, aligning with pediatric oncology's emphasis on patient education and procedural readiness.