title: Lumbar puncture: diagnosing acute central nervous system infections.
abstract: Lumbar puncture has an important role in the diagnosis of acute central nervous system infections. The clinical contraindications to lumbar puncture must be considered before the procedure is carried out, and nurses need to have an understanding of how best to inform, support and reassure patients.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool. c.r.matata@liverpool.ac.uk
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Matata
authors.forename: Benedict
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Michael
authors.forename: Vicky
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Garner
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Solomon
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D002494:Central Nervous System Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D013129:Spinal Puncture; D006113:United Kingdom