Question

The ambulatory care nurse is preparing to assist the health care provider in performing a liver biopsy on a client. The client is receiving a local anesthetic for the procedure. The nurse should assist the client into which position for this test to be performed?

a) Prone position
b) Supine position
c) Left lateral position
d) Trendelenburg position

Answer 1

For a liver biopsy, the correct position for a patient is the left lateral position. This allows for optimal access to the liver and ensures safety and comfort. The surgical team should review the procedure, including patient positioning, for a successful outcome.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate position for a client undergoing a liver biopsy with a local anesthetic is the left lateral position. This position involves the client lying on their left side, which is beneficial during the procedure as it exposes the right side where the liver is located and helps minimize the risk of injury to surrounding organs. The ambulatory care nurse should ensure the patient understands this position and assist them in maintaining it during the biopsy.

It is essential for the surgical team, including the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional, to discuss the recovery and care of the patient both before and after the procedure. Correct positioning is critical for not only the success of the procedure but also the patient's comfort and safety.

The terms prone and supine describe body orientations; prone is face down while supine is face up. These orientations are often referenced in medical procedures, but for a liver biopsy, specifically the left lateral position is preferred.