Which procedure should be carried out for a patient in need of a diagnostic lumbar puncture?

The procedure that should be carried out for a patient in need of a diagnostic lumbar puncture is indeed the lumbar puncture itself. This procedure involves the collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal canal, typically done to diagnose conditions such as infections (like meningitis), bleeding, or neurological disorders.

Performing a lumbar puncture allows clinicians to analyze the CSF for abnormalities, assess pressure, and potentially perform therapeutic interventions. The procedure is usually done with the patient in a lateral recumbent position or sitting up, and involves inserting a needle between two lumbar vertebrae in the lower back.

By contrast, the other procedures listed do not pertain to obtaining diagnostic information from the central nervous system. A chest tube is utilized to manage pleural effusions or pneumothoraxes. CPR is a life-saving maneuver aimed to restore circulation in a patient experiencing cardiac arrest. CPAP/BIPAP are forms of respiratory support used to manage breathing difficulties, particularly in conditions such as COPD or sleep apnea. Thus, the lumbar puncture is the only relevant and appropriate procedure in this context for diagnostic purposes.