Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyReduction of Risk Potential

An adult client is transferred to the medical-surgical unit immediately after a percutaneous liver biopsy. To mitigate the risk of internal bleeding from the puncture site, which positioning strategy is most appropriate for this client?

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

Answer

The client should be positioned right side-lying with a small towel or pillow under the puncture site.
Because the liver is a highly vascular organ located on the right side of the body, a percutaneous biopsy carries a significant risk of hemorrhage. Positioning the client on the right side applies direct mechanical pressure to the biopsy site against the ribs and mattress, creating a tamponade effect that promotes hemostasis.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary complication associated with a percutaneous liver biopsy.
The liver is highly vascular, making internal hemorrhage the most significant immediate post-procedure risk.
Recognizing the risk dictates the specific nursing interventions required for client safety.
2
Determine the anatomical location of the organ and the goal of positioning.
The liver is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. The clinical goal is to apply direct pressure to the biopsy site.
Applying external pressure helps to achieve hemostasis (tamponade) at the vascular puncture site.
3
Select the position that best achieves hemostasis based on anatomy.
Placing the client in a right side-lying position compresses the liver against the chest wall and mattress.
This specific physical compression minimizes bleeding and significantly reduces the risk of hemorrhagic shock.

Key Concept

Post-procedure care and therapeutic positioning to prevent hemorrhage following highly vascular organ biopsies.
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Reduction of Risk Potential

More questions from this topic