In which position should a nurse place a patient for a lumbar puncture?

For a lumbar puncture, the optimal position for the patient is lying on their side with their knees drawn to the chest. This position helps to flex the spine, which widens the intervertebral spaces and facilitates easier access to the cerebrospinal fluid. By curling the knees toward the chest, the lumbar vertebrae are better aligned, minimizing resistance during the procedure and reducing the risk of injury to the surrounding structures.

This position also promotes patient comfort while allowing the healthcare provider the best access to the lumbar region for the puncture. Maintaining a fetal-like position can help alleviate anxiety and increase ease of the procedure, as it creates greater space between the spinous processes of the vertebrae.

Other positions may not provide the necessary anatomical alignment required for an effective and safe lumbar puncture, which is why they would not be the preferred options.