Lumbar puncture: diagnosing acute central nervous system infections
Claire Matata Specialist research nurse, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, and The Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool
Benedict Michael National Institute for Health Research doctoral research fellow, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, and neurology registrar, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool
Vicky Garner Nursing lecturer, School of Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool
Tom Solomon Director, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, and consultant in neurology, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, and The Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool
Lumbar puncture has an important role in the diagnosis of acute central nervous system infections. The clinical contraindications to lumbar puncture must be considered before the procedure is carried out, and nurses need to have an understanding of how best to inform, support and reassure patients.
Nursing Standard.
27, 8, 49-56.
doi: 10.7748/ns2012.10.27.8.49.c9364
Peer review
This article has been subject to double blind peer review
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