After lumbar puncture, where would the therapist expect the greatest tenderness?

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Multiple Choice

After lumbar puncture, where would the therapist expect the greatest tenderness?

Explanation:
The most tenderness will be at the puncture site in the lower back where the needle passed through skin, ligaments, and the dura to access the subarachnoid space. In adults, lumbar puncture is performed below the end of the spinal cord, typically between the L3-L4 interspace (often also L4-L5). Because that is the actual tract of penetration, the greatest localized tenderness arises there. Levels higher up, such as L1-L2 or L2-L3, or a thoracic level like T12-L1, are not the usual entry points and would not be the primary source of post-procedural tenderness.

The most tenderness will be at the puncture site in the lower back where the needle passed through skin, ligaments, and the dura to access the subarachnoid space. In adults, lumbar puncture is performed below the end of the spinal cord, typically between the L3-L4 interspace (often also L4-L5). Because that is the actual tract of penetration, the greatest localized tenderness arises there. Levels higher up, such as L1-L2 or L2-L3, or a thoracic level like T12-L1, are not the usual entry points and would not be the primary source of post-procedural tenderness.

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