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Difficulty: MediumBasic Care and Comfort

A client is transferred to the clinical unit following a percutaneous needle biopsy of the liver. The practical nurse (PN) is preparing to settle the client in bed. To minimize the risk of hemorrhage from the puncture site, what position should the PN help the client maintain?

  1. Right lateral position with a folded towel placed under the rib cageAnswer
  2. B
    Left lateral position with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees
  3. C
    Supine position with the knees flexed and supported by a pillow
  4. D
    High Fowler's position with the arms resting on an overbed table

Answer

The client should be assisted into the right lateral position with a folded towel or small pillow under the right rib cage.
Because the liver is a highly vascular organ located on the right side of the body, a percutaneous biopsy carries a significant risk of internal bleeding. Placing the client in a right lateral (side-lying) position, often with a towel roll beneath the puncture site, uses the client's body weight to apply direct pressure to the liver capsule. This pressure is essential for promoting hemostasis and preventing hemorrhage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the anatomical location of the liver.
The liver is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity.
Knowing the organ's location dictates where localized pressure must be applied.
2
Determine the priority post-procedure risk for a percutaneous liver biopsy.
The primary risk following a biopsy of this highly vascular organ is hemorrhage.
Preventing blood loss is the most critical immediate post-procedure intervention.
3
Select the client position that safely applies external pressure to the puncture site.
The right side-lying (lateral) position uses the client's body weight to compress the liver.
Direct mechanical pressure promotes hemostasis and minimizes bleeding.

Key Concept

Post-Procedure Positioning and Hemostasis
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Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

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