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Question

Difficulty: EasyBasic Care and Comfort

Following a percutaneous liver biopsy, a client is transferred back to the medical unit. To promote comfort and minimize the risk of internal bleeding, which position should the practical nurse assist the client into?

  1. A
    Left side-lying position with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees
  2. Right side-lying position with a small towel placed under the puncture siteAnswer
  3. C
    Supine position with the lower extremities elevated on two pillows
  4. D
    High-Fowler's position with the knees comfortably flexed

Answer

The client should be assisted into a right side-lying position with a small towel placed under the puncture site to apply direct pressure to the liver.
The liver is a highly vascular organ located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. After a percutaneous liver biopsy, the primary complication to prevent is hemorrhage. Assisting the client into a right side-lying position utilizes the client's own body weight to apply direct pressure to the puncture site, promoting hemostasis and minimizing the risk of bleeding.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the anatomical location of the organ involved in the procedure.
The liver is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
Knowing the anatomy determines where pressure needs to be applied post-procedure.
2
Determine the primary physiological risk following a percutaneous biopsy.
The most significant risk is internal hemorrhage or bleeding from the puncture site.
The liver is a highly vascular organ, making bleeding a primary concern.
3
Select the nursing intervention that directly mitigates this risk.
Applying direct physical pressure to the puncture site.
Pressure promotes hemostasis (blood clotting) and stops active bleeding.
4
Choose the client position that naturally achieves this intervention.
Right side-lying position.
Using the client's own body weight against the mattress applies continuous, even pressure to the liver capsule.

Key Concept

Post-procedure positioning to prevent bleeding
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Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

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