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?
a. prothrombin time
b. serum lipase
c. bilirubin
d. calcium

Explanation:

A liver biopsy is an invasive procedure that carries a bleeding risk. Prothrombin time measures the blood's clotting ability; an abnormal result indicates increased bleeding risk, so it must be monitored pre-procedure. Serum lipase assesses pancreatic function, bilirubin reflects liver excretory function but not immediate bleeding risk, and calcium is unrelated to the procedure's key risk of bleeding.

Answer:

A. Prothrombin time