OR Nurse Guide: Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy Assistance

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy Nursing Care

Preoperative Care

- Preoperative blood: Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count.

- The skin should be inspected and palpated for any localized areas of tenderness or infection.

- Administer antimicrobial prophylaxis before or during the procedure if the patient is at high risk for infection.

- Administer sedative and/or analgesia to keep patient comfortable during procedure if applicable.

During the Procedure

- Monitor vital signs before, during and after the procedure.

- Assist with the positioning.

- Support patient throughout the procedure and explain what is happening and what they may feel.

- The aspiration site is prepped with an antiseptic solution and draped.

- After inserting aspiration needle into bone marrow space, the aspiration is performed using negative pressure.

- After the first bone marrow specimen has been collected, the biopsy needle used to obtain a core sample.

- Pressure dressing is placed over the insertion site.

Postoperative Care

- Monitor vital signs every 15 minutes for 1 hour, then every 30 minutes for 2 hours, then every hour until the patient is stable.

- Apply ice pack to the insertion site for 10-15 minutes at a time.

- The wound should be checked for bleeding, infection, or other complications.

- The patient should be monitored for signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, or pain at the insertion site.

- Encourage patient to drink fluids and eat a healthy diet for recovery.

- The patient should be given written instructions on how to care for the wound.