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Question

Difficulty: EasyReduction of Risk Potential

To promote hemostasis and prevent bleeding complications after a percutaneous liver biopsy, the healthcare team must ensure the client maintains a specific resting posture. Which positioning strategy is correct for this client during the immediate post-procedure period?

  1. Right side-lying position with a small towel or pillow placed under the puncture siteAnswer
  2. B
    Left side-lying position with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees
  3. C
    Supine position with the legs elevated above the level of the heart
  4. D
    High Fowler's position with the knees slightly flexed

Answer

Right side-lying position with a small towel or pillow placed under the puncture site
Because the liver is a highly vascular organ situated in the right upper quadrant, it is extremely susceptible to bleeding after a percutaneous puncture. The correct position utilizes the client's own body weight against the bed to apply continuous, direct pressure to the right side, which splints the puncture site and actively promotes hemostasis.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary anatomical location of the liver.
The liver is a highly vascular organ located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
Knowing the anatomical location dictates the intervention needed for localized compression.
2
Recognize the most significant immediate complication of a percutaneous liver biopsy.
Hemorrhage is the highest risk because the liver is highly vascular and the procedure involves puncturing its capsule.
Prioritization of care focuses on minimizing life-threatening risks immediately after an invasive procedure.
3
Determine the physical mechanism required to stop or prevent bleeding.
Applying direct, external pressure to the puncture site promotes clotting and hemostasis.
Direct pressure mechanically occludes severed vessels until a stable clot forms.
4
Select the position that best achieves this mechanical compression.
Placing the client on their right side allows their own body weight and the mattress (or a small towel) to splint the puncture site.
This utilizes gravity and body mass to provide continuous, non-invasive pressure to the right side.

Key Concept

Post-procedure Positioning for Hemostasis
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Topics

Reduction of Risk Potential

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