The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child who must have a lumbar puncture. Which action provides the greatest contribution toward atraumatic care?

a) Explaining the procedure to the child in detail.
b) Using a larger needle to minimize the number of attempts.
c) Applying EMLA cream to numb the area before the procedure.
d) Using a distraction technique during the procedure.

Atraumatic care for a lumbar puncture in a child is best provided by applying EMLA cream to numb the area, minimizing pain during the procedure without requiring a detailed explanation or larger needle use. Hence the correct answer is option C

The greatest contribution toward atraumatic care for a 3-year-old child who must have a lumbar puncture is Applying EMLA cream to numb the area before the procedure. This method utilizes a topical anesthetic to minimize pain, providing comfort without the need for a detailed explanation that the child may not understand or the use of a larger needle which could be more traumatic. Distraction techniques are beneficial during the procedure, but numbing the area serves as the primary method to reduce trauma.

A lumbar puncture is performed in the lower lumbar region because the spinal cord does not extend through this area, making it safer to insert a needle without risking damage to the nervous tissue. It's used for diagnosing conditions such as meningitis, which presents symptoms ranging from fever and neck soreness to more severe neurological implications.

Hence the correct answer is option C