Question

A client who has had right upper quadrant pain for several months now experiences clay-colored stools. Laboratory results reveal elevated liver enzymes, and a needle biopsy of the liver is scheduled. What should the nurse include in the client's teaching about the procedure?

1. The procedure is painless because general anesthesia is used.
2.Disfiguring scars are minimal because a small incision is made.
3. Lying on the right side after the procedure is required because it will decrease the risk of hemorrhage.
4. A light meal should be eaten two hours before the procedure because it stimulates gastrointestinal secretion.

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the patient that some discomfort is possible during the liver needle biopsy as local anesthesia is used, not general. Post-procedure, lying on the right side is recommended to minimize the risk of hemorrhage. Patients should also refrain from eating or drinking before the procedure as opposed to consuming a light meal.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching a patient about an upcoming needle biopsy of the liver, it is crucial to provide accurate information. The nurse should explain that the patient may experience some discomfort during the procedure, as only local anesthesia is typically used, not general anesthesia. Thus, the statement that the procedure is painless because general anesthesia is used is incorrect. There might be minimal scarring since only a small incision is made to allow for the needle biopsy; hence, concerns about disfiguring scars can be alleviated.

After the procedure, it is common to request that the patient lies on their right side to help reduce the risk of hemorrhage. This position applies a small amount of pressure to the biopsy site and can help limit bleeding. Lastly, patients are often advised to avoid eating or drinking anything for a certain period before the biopsy to reduce the risk of complications. Therefore, recommending a light meal two hours before the procedure would be incorrect.