QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Inserting the needle directly into the spinal cord is not the correct procedure for a lumbar puncture and can be extremely dangerous or fatal.
10024001
b
Spinal Cord
QuestionChoice
The intervertebral foramen is a passageway for spinal nerves, and inserting the needle here is not the correct site for a lumbar puncture. This can cause permanent disability.
10024003
d
Intervertebral Foramen
QuestionChoice
The epidural space is located outside the dura mater and contains fat and blood vessels. A lumbar puncture is not performed in the epidural space.
10024002
c
Epidural Space
QuestionChoice
A lumbar puncture is performed by inserting a needle into the subarachnoid space, which is located between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater. This is where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is found and can be safely obtained for diagnostic purposes. This should be done at the L3-L4 or L4-L5 interspace as this is considered the safe zone away from the spinal cord which is prone to injury. Inserting the needle at the wrong site can cause lasting damage and is a never-event.
10024000
a
Subarachnoid space
QuestionChoice
Inserting the needle between vertebral discs can risk damaging the spinal cord, nerves, and blood vessels. A lumbar puncture is typically performed in the subarachnoid space, not between the vertebral discs.
10024004
e
Between the vertebral discs
Concept
Chapter
2693
5715
Lumbar Puncture
Topic
280
Nerves
17198
An F2 doctor suspects meningitis in a 25-year-old man. As part of his investigations, he needs to perform a lumbar puncture.

Which of the following sites should the needle be inserted into?
a