Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumBasic Care and Comfort

A practical nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who has just returned to the nursing unit following a percutaneous liver biopsy. Which of the following positions should the nurse assist the client into?

  1. Right side-lying position with a small rolled towel placed under the puncture siteAnswer
  2. B
    Left side-lying position with the right knee flexed toward the chest
  3. C
    Semi-Fowler's position with the knees slightly elevated on a pillow
  4. D
    Prone position with the head turned to the side for airway clearance

Answer

Right side-lying position with a small rolled towel placed under the puncture site
The liver is a highly vascular organ located on the right side of the body. Placing the client in a right side-lying position, especially with a towel or small pillow under the lower ribs, uses the client's own body weight to apply direct pressure to the biopsy site. This targeted mechanical compression is critical for promoting hemostasis and preventing internal hemorrhage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the procedure performed and its primary anatomical location.
The client underwent a percutaneous liver biopsy; the liver is a highly vascular organ located on the right side of the abdomen.
Understanding the anatomy and the specific nature of the procedure is essential for anticipating potential complications.
2
Determine the highest priority post-procedure risk associated with this specific biopsy.
The greatest physiological risk following a liver biopsy is hemorrhage due to the liver's extensive blood supply.
Post-procedure nursing care must focus immediately on minimizing bleeding at the puncture site.
3
Select the position that physiologically mitigates the identified risk of hemorrhage.
Positioning the client on their right side with a towel under the site utilizes gravity and body weight to compress the liver against the chest wall.
Mechanical compression promotes hemostasis and prevents blood from pooling or hemorrhaging internally.

Key Concept

Post-Procedure Positioning for Hemostasis
Rate this question

Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

More questions from this topic