Final answer:
An expected outcome after lumbar puncture can be a small amount of bloody drainage or a small hematoma at the puncture site. Pupils of unequal size and a headache with dizziness are not typical and may indicate complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is caring for a client with suspected meningitis after a lumbar puncture was performed. Among the listed outcomes, the expected one after the procedure would be a small amount of bloody drainage at the insertion site or a small hematoma at the insertion site. Both can be common occurrences after a needle is inserted into the lumbar region. Finding pupils of unequal size or the client reporting a headache (HA) with mild dizziness are not typical expected outcomes and may indicate complications that need further assessment.
A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a critical diagnostic tool in confirming meningitis. It involves taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis to identify the presence of pathogens, which is crucial as treatment varies significantly between bacterial and viral meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics, whereas viral meningitis is not due to the ineffectiveness of antibiotics against viruses. After the lumbar puncture, CSF parameters such as glucose levels, protein content, and the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are checked to aid in the diagnosis of meningitis.