The nurse is caring for a client who just had a bone marrow biopsy. The nurse understands that which statement is the nursing priority for this client?

  1. keeping the client NPO for 2 hours
  2. avoiding contact sports for 24 hours
  3. monitoring the client for excessive bleeding
  4. applying alcohol to the site every 4 hours to prevent infection
Number 3 is correct.
Rationale: The priority after this procedure is monitoring the client for excessive bleeding. The nurse should observe the dressing for 24 hours for signs of bleeding or infection. It is not necessary to keep the client NPO after this procedure. Contact sports should be avoided for 48 hours. No further site care is required other than observing the dressing for 24 hours, unless signs of infection are noted.