Sample interview questions: How do you approach and manage patients requiring common neurological procedures, such as lumbar punctures or nerve conduction studies?
Sample answer:
Lumbar Punctures
Approach:
- Obtain informed consent, ensuring patient understanding of the procedure and potential risks.
- Position the patient comfortably in a lateral decubitus position with knees flexed to the chest.
- Use sterile technique throughout.
Management:
- Cleanse the puncture site with antiseptic.
- Use a 22-gauge spinal needle to enter the subarachnoid space, guided by the palpable spinous processes.
- Collect cerebrospinal fluid in sterile vials.
- Withdraw the needle and apply pressure to the puncture site.
- Monitor the patient for post-procedure complications, such as headache or nausea.
Nerve Conduction Studies
Approach:
- Explain the procedure to the patient and obtain their consent.
- Cleanse the skin at the electrode placement sites with antiseptic.
Management: