Question

After undergoing dural puncture while receiving epidural pain medication, a patient complains of a headache. Which action can help alleviate the patient's pain?

1) Encourage the client to ambulate to promote flow of spinal fluid.
2) Offer caffeinated beverages to constrict blood vessels in his head.
3) Encourage coughing and deep breathing to increase CSF pressure.
4) Restrict oral fluid intake to prevent excess spinal pressure.

Answer 1

To alleviate a headache following a dural puncture while receiving epidural medication, offering caffeinated beverages can provide temporary relief by constricting blood vessels in the head.

Step-by-step explanation:

After undergoing a dural puncture while receiving epidural pain medication, a patient who complains of a headache can find relief by taking action that helps alleviate the reduction in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, which is the underlying cause of post-dural puncture headaches. Among the options provided, offering caffeinated beverages has been shown to offer temporary relief. Caffeine can help to constrict blood vessels in the head, compensating for the low CSF pressure. Encourage the client to rest in a horizontal position rather than ambulating, maintain adequate hydration, and avoid options that may further reduce CSF pressure or increase intracranial pressure.