ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE:
Diagnostic Procedure
STUDENT NAME______________________________________
Bone Marrow Biopsy
PROCEDURE NAME_____________________________________________________________________
REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER____________
Description of Procedure
Bone marrow specimens are obtained by either aspiration or biopsy. The preferred site is the
posterior lilac crest or sternum. The procedure is performed by making a small incision over
the bone and screwing a core biopsy instrument into the bone to obtain a specimen
Indications
To diagnose causes of blood disorder such
as anemia or thrombocytopenia.
To rule out diseases such as leukemia and
other cancers.
Interpretation of Findings
There should be a presence of erythroid,
granulocytic and megakaryocytes in the
bone marrow. Normal bone marrow should
also contain a mixture of both developing
blood cells and mature blood cells. The
immature blood cells, (blasts) should only be
seen in small numbers. Small numbers of
lymphocytes and plasma cells should be
present.
Potential Complications
Bleeding and infection
Older adults are at greater risk for
complications associated with the anesthesia
ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES
CONSIDERATIONS
Nursing Interventions (pre, intra, post)
Pre:
Verify the client has signed the consent form
Explain the procedure to the client.The site will be anesthetized and clients may feel slight pressure during aspiration
Ask the client to void
Take preliminary vitals
Put patient in prone position
Intra:
Maintain client in prone position.
Monitor Vitals
Post: Apply pressure to the site for 5-10 minutes
Apply a dressing to the site
Monitor for infection, (fever, increased WBC's, pain, swelling at the site) and bleeding.
Apply ice to site
IF prescribed Administer pain medication as prescribed
Avoid aspirin or other medications that affect clotting.
Client Education
-Report any unusual bleeding, discharge, fever, pain
and swelling to the HCP.
-The procedure takes about 20min
-A sedative may be given prior to the procedure
-It is important to remain still during the procedure
-Although a local anesthetic is used, the procedure
still may be uncomfortable
-The site may ache for 1-2 days
Nursing Interventions
Monitor biopsy sight daily and change dressing as
ordered.
Monitor patient for signs of infection, (fever, increased
WBC, pain and swelling at biopsy site)
Notify HCP if infection occurs
Assess site for abnormal and excessive bleeding.
Assess patient for return of level of
consciousnessafter anesthesia.