A client who has undergone renal biopsy is complaining of pain radiating to the front of the abdomen. What should the nurse assess for?

In the context of post-renal biopsy care, assessing for bleeding is crucial because it is a known complication associated with this procedure. A renal biopsy involves the removal of kidney tissue for examination, which can lead to potential injury to blood vessels in the kidney. Pain radiating to the front of the abdomen may indicate internal bleeding, as blood can accumulate in the abdominal cavity or in the surrounding space of the kidney.

The nurse should look for signs such as changes in vital signs (e.g., hypotension or tachycardia), abdominal distension, or changes in the client's urinary output, such as hematuria. Prompt identification of bleeding can facilitate timely interventions to prevent further complications, making it a priority during the assessment phase after the biopsy.

While other potential complications like infection, nerve damage, and gastrointestinal issues are also relevant in the post-procedure context, the acute symptom of abdominal pain and its potential link to bleeding makes assessing for this condition the most immediate concern for the nurse.