Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyReduction of Risk Potential

Following a percutaneous liver biopsy, the client is transferred back to the medical-surgical unit. To decrease the risk of internal hemorrhage, what is the most appropriate position for this client?

  1. A
    Left side-lying position with the bed kept completely flat
  2. B
    Supine position with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees
  3. Right side-lying position with a small pillow or towel roll under the puncture siteAnswer
  4. D
    High Fowler's position with the knees slightly flexed

Answer

The right side-lying position with a small pillow or towel roll under the puncture site.
The right side-lying position utilizes the client's own body weight and gravity to apply direct pressure over the liver and the puncture site. This creates a mechanical tamponade effect that promotes hemostasis and significantly minimizes the risk of hemorrhage, which is the most critical and life-threatening complication following a liver biopsy.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Recall the anatomical location of the liver and its vascular nature.
The liver is highly vascular and located on the right side of the abdomen.
Understanding anatomy is essential to anticipate post-procedure risks.
2
Identify the primary complication associated with a percutaneous liver biopsy.
Hemorrhage (internal bleeding) is the most critical immediate post-procedure risk.
The needle insertion creates a puncture in a vascular organ.
3
Determine the physiological mechanism to prevent bleeding at a puncture site.
Applying direct external pressure creates a tamponade effect to promote hemostasis.
Pressure stops bleeding and allows clots to form.
4
Select the position that applies this physiological mechanism.
The right side-lying position places the client's body weight over the right-sided puncture site.
This utilizes gravity and body weight to compress the liver capsule.

Key Concept

Post-procedure hemorrhage risk reduction via physiological tamponade.
Rate this question

Topics

Reduction of Risk Potential

More questions from this topic