Final answer:
A nurse must closely monitor the patient for complications following a lumbar puncture test, including a post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and brain herniation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse must closely monitor the patient for complications following a lumbar puncture test. One potential complication that the nurse should watch for is a post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). This headache occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from the puncture site, causing decreased pressure in the spinal fluid system. The headache is typically worse when sitting or standing and improves when lying down. Other potential complications include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and herniation of the brain through the base of the skull.