Question

a nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled to undergo a liver biopsy for a suspected malignancy. which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse monitor prior to the procedure?

prothrombin time

serum lipase

bilirubin

calcium

Explanation:

A liver biopsy is an invasive procedure with a risk of bleeding. Prothrombin time (PT) measures blood clotting ability. The liver produces clotting factors, so monitoring PT assesses the client's ability to clot and risk of hemorrhage during/after the biopsy. Serum lipase is for pancreatic issues, bilirubin for liver function (but not directly clotting), and calcium isn't primary for biopsy bleeding risk.

Answer:

A. Prothrombin time