After a liver biopsy, the patient should be positioned on which side?

Positioning a patient on their right side after a liver biopsy is essential for several reasons related to the procedure's safety and efficacy. The liver is located on the right side of the body, and positioning the patient on this side helps to promote hemostasis, or blood clotting, at the biopsy site.

When a biopsy is performed, there is a risk of bleeding from the puncture site. By lying on the right side, gravity helps compress the liver tissue where the biopsy needle was inserted, reducing the likelihood of bleeding and allowing any small vessels that may have been disrupted to seal more effectively.

Additionally, this position can help to facilitate better drainage of bile and lessen the chance of complications that could arise from pooling or pressure accumulation in the liver area. This positioning strategy is a common practice in post-biopsy care, ensuring that patients experience a smoother recovery process.