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Question

Difficulty: EasyReduction of Risk Potential

A client is received on the medical unit directly after a percutaneous liver biopsy. To mitigate the primary risk associated with this procedure, which positioning strategy must the nurse implement?

  1. Right side-lying position with a small towel placed under the puncture siteAnswer
  2. B
    Left Sims position with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees
  3. C
    Supine position with the lower extremities elevated on a pillow
  4. D
    High Fowler's position with a supportive cushion under the lower back

Answer

Right side-lying position with a small towel placed under the puncture site
The liver is a highly vascular organ located on the right side of the abdomen. Placing the client in a right side-lying position (right lateral decubitus), often with a rolled towel or pillow under the puncture site, applies direct physical pressure to the liver capsule. This targeted pressure is essential to promote hemostasis and prevent internal hemorrhage, which is the most critical immediate complication following a percutaneous liver biopsy.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary complication associated with a percutaneous liver biopsy.
Because the liver is a highly vascular organ, the highest priority risk immediately following a biopsy is internal hemorrhage.
Recognizing the most critical risk dictates the required preventative intervention.
2
Determine the intervention that directly addresses and mitigates this risk.
Position the client on their right side (right lateral decubitus) to apply direct physical pressure to the liver capsule.
Direct compression at the puncture site promotes blood clotting (hemostasis) and prevents bleeding.

Key Concept

Post-procedure hemorrhage prevention through targeted positioning
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Reduction of Risk Potential

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