A client with chronic Hepatitis C virus infection is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Which intervention should the nurse perform after the procedure?

A client with chronic Hepatitis C virus infection is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Which intervention should the nurse perform after the procedure?

• A. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics prophylactically
• B. Assess for signs of bleeding and hypovolemia
• C. Apply hot compresses to the biopsy site
• D. Immediately ambulate the patient to prevent thromboembolism

Answer: (B)

After a liver biopsy, the priority is to monitor for bleeding because the liver is highly vascular and patients with chronic liver disease often have impaired clotting. The nurse should closely assess for signs of hemorrhage and falling blood volume in the hours after the procedure. This means watching vital signs for tachycardia or hypotension, checking for a decreasing hemoglobin/hematocrit, inspecting the dressing for fresh bleeding, and noting any new abdominal pain or distension that could indicate internal bleeding. Early detection allows prompt actions, such as applying pressure if bleeding occurs and notifying the physician for further management. Prophylactic antibiotics aren’t routinely given after this procedure unless specific risk factors are present, applying hot compresses can worsen bleeding, and immediate ambulation increases bleeding risk, so patients are typically kept on bed rest or limited activity for several hours to minimize complications.

After a liver biopsy, the priority is to monitor for bleeding because the liver is highly vascular and patients with chronic liver disease often have impaired clotting. The nurse should closely assess for signs of hemorrhage and falling blood volume in the hours after the procedure. This means watching vital signs for tachycardia or hypotension, checking for a decreasing hemoglobin/hematocrit, inspecting the dressing for fresh bleeding, and noting any new abdominal pain or distension that could indicate internal bleeding. Early detection allows prompt actions, such as applying pressure if bleeding occurs and notifying the physician for further management. Prophylactic antibiotics aren’t routinely given after this procedure unless specific risk factors are present, applying hot compresses can worsen bleeding, and immediate ambulation increases bleeding risk, so patients are typically kept on bed rest or limited activity for several hours to minimize complications.