What should be closely monitored after a liver biopsy?

Following a liver biopsy, it is imperative to closely monitor vital signs. This is due to the risk of complications such as bleeding or perforation that can occur after the procedure. Vital signs, which include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, provide critical information about the patient’s immediate recovery status and can help detect any signs of distress or complications early on. Continuous monitoring facilitates prompt intervention if needed, making it a priority after such an invasive procedure.

While fluid intake, laboratory results, and medication compliance are all significant aspects of patient care, they are not as immediately critical in the post-biopsy period as the monitoring of vital signs. Fluid intake may be adjusted based on the patient's condition or needs, laboratory results will be reviewed later on for overall health but are not immediately pertinent after the procedure, and medication compliance is generally assessed over a longer time frame rather than immediately following a biopsy. Thus, monitoring vital signs aligns most closely with ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient right after the procedure.