The nurse is taking care of a client that just had a liver biopsy.
Which of the following is a potential immediate risk associated with a liver biopsy?

Choice A rationale
While it’s important to prepare for a barium swallow test, maintaining a clear liquid diet 24 hours before the test is not typically required.
Choice B rationale
Drinking plenty of fluids after the test is indeed a correct instruction. The barium used in the test can cause constipation or impacted stool if it does not pass out of the body. Drinking ample fluids helps flush the contrast from the gastrointestinal system.
Choice C rationale
While it’s true that the stool may be discolored after a barium swallow test, it’s more likely to be lighter or white, not black.
Choice D rationale

The barium swallow test does not involve the injection of any dye that would cause a warm feeling. This sensation is more commonly associated with the injection of contrast dye in other types of imaging tests, not a barium swallow.

Choice A rationale
While allowing grieving is an important aspect of holistic care for a client with esophageal cancer, it is not the priority nursing intervention. Emotional support and counseling are crucial, but they do not take precedence over interventions aimed at maintaining the client’s physical health.
Choice B rationale
Preventing aspiration is the priority nursing intervention for a client with esophageal cancer. Aspiration, or the inhalation of food, stomach acid, or saliva into the lungs, can lead to pneumonia and other serious complications. Therefore, measures to prevent aspiration, such as educating the client on safe swallowing techniques, elevating the head of the bed during meals, and monitoring for signs of aspiration, are crucial.
Choice C rationale
Managing pain relief is an important aspect of care for a client with esophageal cancer, but it is not the priority nursing intervention. Pain management strategies, such as administering prescribed analgesics and providing comfort measures, are part of a comprehensive care plan

but do not take precedence over interventions aimed at preventing immediate life-threatening complications like aspiration.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining nutritional intake is an important aspect of care for a client with esophageal cancer, but it is not the priority nursing intervention. Nutritional support, such as providing a balanced diet, encouraging small frequent meals, and possibly arranging for a consultation with a dietitian, are important but do not take precedence over interventions aimed at preventing immediate life-threatening complications like aspiration.