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Question

Difficulty: EasyReduction of Risk Potential

A bedside liver biopsy has just been completed for a client on the medical-surgical unit. Which position should the nurse assist the client into immediately after the procedure to minimize the risk of hemorrhage from the puncture site?

  1. Right side-lying position with a folded towel placed under the puncture siteAnswer
  2. B
    Left side-lying position with the knees drawn up toward the abdomen
  3. C
    Semi-Fowler's position with a soft pillow resting under the knees
  4. D
    Prone position with a firm mattress support

Answer

The client should be placed in a right side-lying position with a folded towel placed under the puncture site.
The liver is a highly vascular organ, making hemorrhage the most significant risk following a liver biopsy. Assisting the client into a right side-lying position ensures that the weight of the client's own body applies direct pressure to the puncture site on the right side, which effectively tamponades the area and promotes hemostasis.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the anatomical location involved in the procedure.
The liver is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
Knowing the anatomy determines where pressure must be applied.
2
Identify the primary complication associated with a percutaneous liver biopsy.
Hemorrhage is the greatest risk because the liver is a highly vascular organ.
Understanding the primary post-procedure risk guides the appropriate preventive nursing intervention.
3
Select the position that applies direct pressure to the right upper quadrant.
The right side-lying position effectively compresses the biopsy site.
Direct pressure promotes hemostasis and reduces the potential for bleeding.

Key Concept

Post-procedure care and positioning to prevent hemorrhage following a liver biopsy
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Topics

Reduction of Risk Potential

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