I am a new ER nurse. I have always managed to avoid holding an infant for a spinal tap...Yesterday I ended up with a 23 day old who presented with a 100.8 fever. Doc orders the full workup:uhoh21: I manage to stick a feeding tube in his uncirc'd member, swab his nose (twice) start an IV with lab draws and blood culture and try to comfort his (non english speaking) family. This was nothing compared to what the doc did. I knew the position to hold baby in. (I had at least SEEN that) but no matter what this doc did, he could not get spinal fluid. He poked this baby 5 times.
I have two questions...Did I do something wrong in my holding technique? I asked the doc a couple of times if he wanted me to change my positioning and he kept saying "no we are fine" But, I'm actually feeling guilty! As if it were my fault that this little guy got poked so many times. Second question...Why could this doc not get fluid? He kept saying "I know I'm in the right spot" It was the end of my shift and I didn't ask the doc any questions. For one, I didn't want to look stupid and for two, I was really upset about the full workup on this baby.
thoughts?