After a liver biopsy, the primary nursing assessment is to monitor for which complication?

After a liver biopsy, the primary nursing assessment is to monitor for which complication?

• A. Bleeding
• B. Fever
• C. Pain
• D. Nausea

Answer: (A)

Bleeding is the main concern after a liver biopsy because the liver is highly vascular and a needle poke can injure vessels, making hemorrhage the most common and potentially life‑threatening complication. The nursing focus is to detect any signs of bleeding early: monitor vital signs closely for tachycardia or hypotension, observe the biopsy site for active bleeding or hematoma, and check labs for a drop in hematocrit or hemoglobin. Early detection allows prompt management. For prevention, keep the patient on the right side for several hours to apply pressure to the puncture site and follow ordered post‑procedure monitoring, especially during the first 24 hours when bleeding risk is highest. Fever, pain, and nausea can occur but are less critical than bleeding in this immediate context.

Bleeding is the main concern after a liver biopsy because the liver is highly vascular and a needle poke can injure vessels, making hemorrhage the most common and potentially life‑threatening complication. The nursing focus is to detect any signs of bleeding early: monitor vital signs closely for tachycardia or hypotension, observe the biopsy site for active bleeding or hematoma, and check labs for a drop in hematocrit or hemoglobin. Early detection allows prompt management. For prevention, keep the patient on the right side for several hours to apply pressure to the puncture site and follow ordered post‑procedure monitoring, especially during the first 24 hours when bleeding risk is highest. Fever, pain, and nausea can occur but are less critical than bleeding in this immediate context.