In preparing for a kidney biopsy, which complication must the clinician watch for?

In preparing for a kidney biopsy, which complication must the clinician watch for?

• A. Infection
• B. Bleeding
• C. Hypertension
• D. Nausea

Answer: (B)

Bleeding is the primary concern because a percutaneous kidney biopsy involves piercing a highly vascular organ. The needle can injure intrarenal vessels, potentially causing retroperitoneal hemorrhage or gross hematuria. Therefore, clinicians focus on minimizing bleeding risk before the procedure by checking coagulation status (platelets, INR, aPTT), holding or adjusting anticoagulants/antiplatelets as ordered, and correcting any coagulopathy if possible. After the biopsy, vigilance for signs of bleeding is essential—flank or abdominal pain, tenderness, hypotension, tachycardia, decreasing hematocrit, or visible blood in the urine would indicate bleeding and require prompt evaluation.

Bleeding is the primary concern because a percutaneous kidney biopsy involves piercing a highly vascular organ. The needle can injure intrarenal vessels, potentially causing retroperitoneal hemorrhage or gross hematuria. Therefore, clinicians focus on minimizing bleeding risk before the procedure by checking coagulation status (platelets, INR, aPTT), holding or adjusting anticoagulants/antiplatelets as ordered, and correcting any coagulopathy if possible. After the biopsy, vigilance for signs of bleeding is essential—flank or abdominal pain, tenderness, hypotension, tachycardia, decreasing hematocrit, or visible blood in the urine would indicate bleeding and require prompt evaluation.