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Question

Difficulty: MediumBasic Care and Comfort

Upon receiving a client who just completed a percutaneous liver biopsy, the practical nurse must ensure the client is safely situated in bed. To effectively compress the biopsy site and prevent internal bleeding, which position is most appropriate?

  1. Right lateral position with a folded towel placed beneath the lower rib cageAnswer
  2. B
    Left lateral position with the right leg slightly flexed
  3. C
    Semi-Fowler's position with the knees supported by a pillow
  4. D
    Supine position with the lower extremities elevated on pillows

Answer

The right lateral position with a folded towel placed beneath the lower rib cage.
The liver is a highly vascular organ located on the right side of the body. After a percutaneous liver biopsy, the client is at a high risk for hemorrhage. Positioning the client in a right lateral (side-lying) position with a towel or small pillow under the puncture site uses the client's own body weight to apply direct, continuous pressure to the liver capsule. This mechanical compression is a fundamental care measure essential to promote hemostasis and prevent internal bleeding.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the anatomical location of the liver and the procedural entry point.
The liver is located on the right side of the abdomen, and the biopsy is typically performed through the right lower rib cage.
Understanding the procedural site is required to determine where external pressure must be applied.
2
Determine the primary post-procedure complication associated with a liver biopsy.
Hemorrhage is the major risk because the liver is a highly vascular organ.
Identifying the primary complication guides the selection of the correct nursing intervention.
3
Select the basic care intervention that directly mitigates this risk.
Applying direct, continuous pressure to the puncture site promotes hemostasis and prevents internal bleeding.
Mechanical compression is necessary to allow blood vessels at the puncture site to clot.
4
Evaluate the given positions to find the one that provides the necessary compression.
The right lateral position uses the client's own body weight to compress the liver against the abdominal wall.
Only this position effectively targets the right side of the body where the biopsy occurred.

Key Concept

Post-procedure Client Positioning
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Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

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