The nurse is preparing to perform a bone marrow aspiration on a patient. What is the primary purpose of the bone marrow aspiration?

After a bone marrow aspiration, the patient should be instructed to report any signs of infection at the needle insertion site, such as redness, swelling, drainage, or increased pain, to their healthcare provider for prompt evaluation and treatment.

a. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a period after the procedure. Normal activities may need to be restricted based on the healthcare provider's instructions.

b. Encouraging the patient to avoid drinking fluids is not appropriate after a bone marrow aspiration. Adequate hydration is essential for recovery and healing.

c. It is important to provide guidance on wound care after the procedure, but instructing the patient to avoid pressure on the site for 24 hours may not be necessary. The healthcare provider's specific instructions regarding wound care should be followed.

Bone marrow aspiration is commonly used to evaluate the production of blood cells, including platelets. In a patient with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), bone marrow aspiration can help identify the cause of decreased platelet production.

a. This choice is incorrect because bone marrow aspiration is not used to assess lung function. Lung function is typically evaluated through respiratory tests, such as spirometry or arterial blood gas analysis.

b. This choice is incorrect because bone marrow aspiration is not used to diagnose gastrointestinal disorders. Gastrointestinal disorders are typically diagnosed through various gastrointestinal tests and imaging studies.

d. This choice is incorrect because bone marrow aspiration is not used to determine kidney health. Kidney health is typically assessed through blood and urine tests.