After a bone marrow biopsy, which action should the nurse emphasize as part of post‑procedure care?

After a bone marrow biopsy, which action should the nurse emphasize as part of post‑procedure care?

• A. Administer analgesics as needed
• B. Instruct patient to ambulate immediately
• C. Inspect for signs of infection every hour
• D. Discontinue dressings immediately after procedure

Answer: (A)

Pain control right after the procedure is the priority. Providing analgesics as needed addresses the likely discomfort from the bone marrow biopsy, helps the patient rest, and reduces stress that could raise blood pressure and worsen bleeding risk. Ambulating immediately would stress the puncture site and could trigger bleeding. Checking for infection every hour is more frequent than what’s usually required; infection monitoring is important but not needed on an hourly basis for this short-term care. Discontinuing the dressing right away would remove a protective barrier and increase bleeding or infection risk, so dressings are kept in place as ordered.

Pain control right after the procedure is the priority. Providing analgesics as needed addresses the likely discomfort from the bone marrow biopsy, helps the patient rest, and reduces stress that could raise blood pressure and worsen bleeding risk. Ambulating immediately would stress the puncture site and could trigger bleeding. Checking for infection every hour is more frequent than what’s usually required; infection monitoring is important but not needed on an hourly basis for this short-term care. Discontinuing the dressing right away would remove a protective barrier and increase bleeding or infection risk, so dressings are kept in place as ordered.