Physiological Integrity—Basic Care and Comfort

The nurse is assisting the health care provider performing a liver biopsy on a client. How should the nurse position this client?

Posted on by NCLEX.ME Nurse
Select all that apply.
  1. position the client supine with the left upper abdomen exposed
  2. position the client supine with the right upper abdomen exposed
  3. position the client in a low Fowler’s with the right upper abdomen exposed
  4. raise the client’s right arm and extend it behind the head, over the left shoulder
  5. raise the client’s right arm and extend it across the front of the chest touching the left shoulder
Numbers 2 and 4 are correct.
Rationale: Positioning the client supine with the right upper abdomen exposed allows the best access to the right intercostal spaces. Raising the right arm and extending it behind the head opens up the intercostal area and keeps the arm out of the way. The liver is located on the right side; positioning the client with the left upper abdomen exposed does not allow access to the site. The client should be placed supine, never in a low Fowler’s or other elevated position. The client’s right arm should not be positioned across the front of the chest as this does not provide maximum access to the site.
NCLEX.ME Nurse