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Difficulty: EasyBasic Care and Comfort

A client returns to the medical-surgical unit immediately after a percutaneous liver biopsy. To minimize the risk of bleeding from the puncture site, which of the following positions should the practical nurse place the client in?

  1. Right side-lying position with a folded towel under the puncture siteAnswer
  2. B
    Left side-lying position with the knees flexed
  3. C
    Supine position with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees
  4. D
    Prone position with the arms resting comfortably at the sides

Answer

Right side-lying position with a folded towel under the puncture site
Following a percutaneous liver biopsy, the standard of care is to place the client in a right side-lying position, often with a small pillow or folded towel directly under the puncture site. The liver is a highly vascular organ located on the right side of the body. This specific position strategically uses the client's own body weight to apply direct, continuous pressure to the biopsy site, significantly reducing the risk of postoperative hemorrhage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the anatomical location of the liver and the primary complication associated with a liver biopsy.
The liver is a highly vascular organ located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, making hemorrhage the most significant post-procedure risk.
Understanding the anatomy and potential risks dictates the specific nursing interventions required immediately after the procedure.
2
Determine the optimal client position that minimizes the identified risk.
The client must be placed on their right side to create a tamponade effect.
Placing the client on their right side allows their own body weight to compress the liver against the abdominal wall and mattress, providing direct hemostasis.

Key Concept

Post-procedure positioning for hemostasis
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Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

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