Question

A patient with pancytopenia has a bone marrow aspiration from the left posterior iliac crest. Which action would be important for the nurse to take after the procedure?

a. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees.
b. Apply a sterile 2-inch gauze dressing to the site.
c. Use a half-inch sterile gauze to pack the wound.
d. Have the patient lie on the left side for 1 hour.

Answer 1

After a bone marrow aspiration, it is important for the nurse to apply a sterile dressing to the site.

Step-by-step explanation:

After a bone marrow aspiration from the left posterior iliac crest, it is important for the nurse to apply a sterile 2-inch gauze dressing to the site (option b). This helps in preventing infections and provides a protective covering for the wound. Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees (option a) is not necessary after the procedure. Using a half-inch sterile gauze to pack the wound (option c) is not recommended as it may cause further damage. Having the patient lie on the left side for 1 hour (option d) is not necessary after a bone marrow aspiration.