Comprehensive Care: Key Points Of Perioperative Nursing For Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy

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Although ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure, standardized perioperative nursing care remains crucial for ensuring patient safety and improving the overall medical experience. Nursing work is integrated throughout the entire process, from preoperative preparation and intraoperative cooperation to postoperative observation, directly impacting complication prevention and patient satisfaction.

Preoperative nursing focuses on assessment and education. Nurses need to assist doctors in completing coagulation function and complete blood count tests to confirm the absence of serious bleeding tendencies; obtain detailed allergy history, especially allergies to local anesthetic drugs; for anxious patients, explain the principles, procedures, and necessity of ultrasound-guided breast biopsy in simple language to alleviate their fear. Simultaneously, instruct patients to change into loose clothing, remove metal jewelry, and prepare their skin for cleaning.

Intraoperative cooperation emphasizes aseptic principles and real-time observation. The nurse needs to assist with positioning (usually supine or lateral decubitus) to fully expose the affected breast; strictly disinfect and drape the area to establish a sterile zone; promptly pass the puncture kit, syringe, and other instruments; closely monitor the patient's complexion, breathing, and complaints; and immediately alert the doctor to stop the procedure if significant pain or palpitations are observed. During ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, the nurse also needs to assist in fixing the probe position to ensure stable and clear images.

Postoperative care focuses on pressure hemostasis and observation for complications. After the puncture, the nurse should immediately apply pressure to the puncture site with sterile gauze for 15–30 minutes, and only leave after confirming no active bleeding. The patient should be advised to avoid strenuous exercise, lifting heavy objects, and contact with water for 24 hours to prevent wound infection or hematoma expansion. Some patients may experience local bruising and mild swelling after ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, which is normal and can be relieved with cold compresses; however, if significant swelling worsens, fever occurs, or severe pain develops, bleeding or infection should be suspected, and a follow-up visit should be sought immediately.

Psychological care is also essential. While awaiting pathology results, patients are often in a state of high anxiety. Nurses should proactively listen, provide emotional support, and, when necessary, collaborate with social workers or psychological counselors. For patients diagnosed with malignant tumors, the nursing team also needs to ensure smooth transition to the next stage of treatment.

Through systematic and humane nursing interventions, ultrasound-guided breast biopsy not only achieves technical success but also truly embodies the "patient-centered" medical service philosophy.