Date of Award
5-13-2020
Degree Type
DNP Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing (ND)
Department
Nursing
Chair
Alejandra Valenzuela
Abstract
Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a frequent complication that affects up to 35% of all patients who undergo lumbar puncture. Lumbar puncture with intrathecal chemotherapy administration is a required procedure that is outlined in the treatment plan for pediatric oncology patients who have been diagnosed with leukemia. During my ten-day reflective practice, 66% of patients developed a PDPH. After conducting a literature review, a variety of interventions for decreasing the incidence of PDPH (i.e. hydration, bed rest, controlled analgesics during procedure, and needle design) were found. After comparison of all the interventions, a consensus was reached in which the needle design was the only intervention that decreased the incidence of PDPH. After comparing the literature to my practice, I found that the 22-gauge cutting needle used in my practice is not reflective of the current evidence-based guidelines. For my Quality Improvement project, a pencil point needle was used for performing lumbar punctures. An age-appropriate pain scale was used for measuring the incidence of postanesthesia recovery headache and again at the two-week follow-up appointment. The anticipated outcome was supported by my Quality Improvement Project. Every patient who underwent a lumbar puncture denied having a headache both at the post-anesthesia recovery assessment and the two-week follow-up appointment.
Recommended Citation
French, Amanda, "Sprotte into the Future" (2020). Cohort VIII. 3.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/cohort_8/3
PowerPoint Presentation
Amanda French.pdf (753 kB)
Poster Presentation