An older adult client is recovering on the medical-surgical unit 90 minutes after an image-guided percutaneous liver biopsy. The client is currently positioned on the right side with a rolled towel under the lower ribs. During a routine check, the client's blood pressure is 108/68 mm Hg, heart rate is 92 beats/minute, and they report a sudden onset of mild but persistent right shoulder pain. What is the priority action for the practical nurse to take?
- Inform the supervising registered nurse immediately about the client's reported symptoms.Cevap
- BDocument the shoulder pain as an expected manifestation of prolonged right lateral positioning.
- CAssist the client into a supine position to alleviate pressure on the right thoracic cage.
- DAdminister the prescribed as-needed oral analgesic and reassess the pain level in 30 minutes.
Cevap
Inform the supervising registered nurse immediately about the client's reported symptoms.
Right shoulder pain following a percutaneous liver biopsy is a classic presentation of referred pain caused by diaphragmatic irritation from a subcapsular hematoma or bile leak. Coupled with a heart rate of 92 beats/minute, this indicates a high likelihood of active internal bleeding. The practical nurse must prioritize client safety by immediately escalating these findings to the registered nurse for advanced assessment and rapid intervention.
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Anahtar Kavram
Recognition of referred pain as a sign of post-procedural internal hemorrhage