Question

The nurse cares for a patient after a breast biopsy. After the procedure, it is MOST important for the nurse to take which of the following actions?

- apply ice to area
- preposition the patient for comfort
- carefully transport the specimen to the lab
- observe for bleeding

Answer 1

The most important action for a nurse to take following a breast biopsy is to observe for bleeding to ensure the patient's immediate safety and manage potential complications, it outweighs other post-procedure actions like applying ice, repositioning the patient, or transporting the specimen.

Step-by-step explanation:

After a breast biopsy, the most important action for a nurse to take is to observe for bleeding. This priority is crucial for the immediate safety of the patient as post-procedure bleeding can lead to complications such as hematoma formation or infection. While applying ice to the area might help reduce swelling, repositioning the patient for comfort, and transporting the specimen to the lab are also important, they rank lower than the need to monitor the patient's vital signs and incision site for any signs of excessive bleeding or other complications.

During the post-operative period, the nursing staff should also confirm the patient's identity, ensure the sterility of the environment, and check that all equipment is functioning properly. Moreover, an accurate and complete communication among the surgical team members regarding the patient's care and recovery is essential.