The nurse is assisting the physician with a liver biopsy performed at the patient’s bedside. Which of the following should the nurse do after the procedure is completed?

Explanation

•After the biopsy, the nurse should have the patient lie on the right side with a pillow under the puncture site for up to 2 hours in order to reduce the risk for hemorrhage.

•A liver biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of the liver so it can be examined under a microscope for signs of damage or disease. The major risk of liver biopsy is excessive bleeding or hemorrhage. It is therefore important to ensure that patient is positioned properly after the procedure.

•Supine, semi-fowler’s, and left side-lying positions do not help prevent the occurrence of bleeding from the puncture site.

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