After the biopsy, where should the patient be positioned to help compress the puncture site?

After the biopsy, where should the patient be positioned to help compress the puncture site?

• A. On the opposite side
• B. On the procedure side to apply pressure
• C. Flat supine
• D. With head of bed elevated

Answer: (B)

When trying to prevent bleeding after a biopsy, the goal is to create pressure on the biopsy tract to promote hemostasis. Positioning the patient on the side of the puncture places the organ against the abdominal wall, so the weight and surrounding tissues provide ongoing tamponade to the puncture site. This helps compress the tract and reduce the risk of hematoma or ongoing bleeding. For a liver biopsy, this is typically done by lying on the right side for several hours to maintain that pressure. The other positions don’t apply the necessary local compression: lying on the opposite side or flat doesn't compress the site, and elevating the head of the bed reduces abdominal pressure on the tract. Monitor for any signs of bleeding afterward as part of ongoing post-procedure care.

When trying to prevent bleeding after a biopsy, the goal is to create pressure on the biopsy tract to promote hemostasis. Positioning the patient on the side of the puncture places the organ against the abdominal wall, so the weight and surrounding tissues provide ongoing tamponade to the puncture site. This helps compress the tract and reduce the risk of hematoma or ongoing bleeding. For a liver biopsy, this is typically done by lying on the right side for several hours to maintain that pressure. The other positions don’t apply the necessary local compression: lying on the opposite side or flat doesn't compress the site, and elevating the head of the bed reduces abdominal pressure on the tract. Monitor for any signs of bleeding afterward as part of ongoing post-procedure care.