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Question

Difficulty: MediumBasic Care and Comfort

An adult client is transferred back to the medical-surgical unit immediately following a percutaneous liver biopsy. To minimize the risk of post-procedure hemorrhage, which of the following positions should the nurse assist the client into?

  1. Right side-lying position with a small rolled towel 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 45 degrees
  4. D
    Prone position with a small pillow placed under the abdomen

Answer

The right side-lying position with a small rolled towel under the puncture site is the most appropriate position for a client following a liver biopsy.
Following a percutaneous liver biopsy, the client must be placed in a right side-lying position for several hours. Because the liver is a highly vascular organ, this position utilizes the client's own body weight (often supplemented with a small pillow or rolled towel placed under the puncture site) to apply direct, continuous pressure to the liver capsule against the chest wall. This external pressure promotes hemostasis and significantly reduces the risk of post-procedure hemorrhage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary complication associated with the procedure.
The liver is a highly vascular organ, making hemorrhage the most significant immediate post-biopsy complication.
Understanding the risks of a percutaneous liver biopsy directs the immediate post-procedure nursing care.
2
Determine the anatomical location of the liver and the puncture site.
The liver is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, and the biopsy is typically performed through the right lower rib cage.
Knowing the location is essential to apply targeted pressure to the correct site.
3
Select the position that applies direct pressure to the anatomical site.
Placing the client on their right side with a rolled towel under the puncture site compresses the liver against the chest wall.
Direct pressure promotes hemostasis and minimizes the risk of internal bleeding.

Key Concept

Post-Procedure Positioning for Hemostasis
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

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