During a liver biopsy, which patient position is used during the procedure?

During a liver biopsy, which patient position is used during the procedure?

• A. Supine With Right Arm Overhead
• B. Prone With Right Arm Overhead
• C. Supine With Right Arm Above The Head
• D. Left Lateral Decubitus

Answer: (C)

During a percutaneous liver biopsy, you want exposure of the right upper quadrant and minimal movement so the needle can be placed precisely. Placing the patient in a supine position with the right arm raised above the head achieves this by moving the scapula and shoulder out of the way, relaxing the abdominal wall, and stabilizing the abdominal area. This alignment better exposes the right lobe through the intercostal spaces (often the right midaxillary line around the 7th–9th intercostal spaces), reducing the risk of injuring nearby structures and improving needle accuracy. Other positions may expose different liver areas or hinder access and stability, but this setup is the standard for accessing the right lobe.

During a percutaneous liver biopsy, you want exposure of the right upper quadrant and minimal movement so the needle can be placed precisely. Placing the patient in a supine position with the right arm raised above the head achieves this by moving the scapula and shoulder out of the way, relaxing the abdominal wall, and stabilizing the abdominal area. This alignment better exposes the right lobe through the intercostal spaces (often the right midaxillary line around the 7th–9th intercostal spaces), reducing the risk of injuring nearby structures and improving needle accuracy. Other positions may expose different liver areas or hinder access and stability, but this setup is the standard for accessing the right lobe.