Which tests are likely to be ordered by a physician after performing a lumbar puncture on a patient?

After a lumbar puncture, it is common for physicians to order specific tests to evaluate the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for various conditions such as infections, hemorrhages, or other neurological disorders. The combination of glucose, protein, Gram's stain, and cell count provides crucial information about the health status of the central nervous system.

Glucose levels in the CSF are important because reduced glucose can indicate conditions like bacterial meningitis, where bacteria consume glucose, or tuberculosis. Protein levels help assess the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and can be elevated in conditions like multiple sclerosis or infections. Gram's stain is particularly valuable for quickly identifying bacterial infections, allowing for prompt treatment decisions. Finally, a cell count can reveal the presence of white blood cells, which may increase in response to infection or inflammation.

Collectively, these tests help in diagnosing a wide range of neurological conditions effectively. The other options include tests that do not directly pertain to the analysis of CSF or the complications that arise from processes related to lumbar puncture, making them less relevant in this context.