Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumBasic Care and Comfort

A practical nurse is receiving a client who has just returned to the medical-surgical unit following a percutaneous liver biopsy. Which position should the nurse assist the client into immediately after the procedure?

  1. Right side-lying position with a small towel or pillow under the puncture siteAnswer
  2. B
    Left side-lying position with the knees flexed toward the chest
  3. C
    Supine position with the head of the bed elevated to 45 degrees
  4. D
    Prone position with a small pillow placed under the abdomen

Answer

The client should be placed in a right side-lying position with a small towel or pillow under the puncture site.
The correct position is on the right side because the liver is located on the right side of the body. Resting on the right side with a small towel or pillow under the puncture site applies direct, sustained pressure to the liver capsule, which is crucial for preventing post-procedure hemorrhage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the procedure performed and its anatomical location.
The client had a percutaneous liver biopsy; the liver is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
Understanding the anatomical site is necessary to determine the appropriate post-procedure care.
2
Determine the primary risk associated with the procedure.
The liver is highly vascular, making hemorrhage the most significant immediate post-procedure complication.
Prioritizing interventions based on the highest risk guides safe positioning.
3
Select the position that mitigates the identified risk.
Positioning the client on the right side applies external pressure to the biopsy site, promoting hemostasis.
Mechanical pressure on the puncture site helps prevent bleeding.

Key Concept

Post-procedure positioning for hemostasis
Rate this question

Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

More questions from this topic