Discharge Instructions Needle Biopsy: Lung

Home care

• The biopsy site may feel numb for a while if you get numbing medicine.

• You might have a little soreness afterward.

• Follow your health care provider's instructions about taking off bandages and showering or bathing.

• You may be sleepy after the biopsy if you get medicine to help you relax (sedation). Don't drive until the next day or as instructed by your provider.

• Don't do heavy lifting, a lot of stair climbing, vigorous exercise, or sports on the day of your biopsy. You can return to your regular activities as instructed by your provider.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your health care provider, or as advised. Be sure you make an appointment with your provider to talk about the biopsy results.

When to call your doctor

Contact your health care provider right away if:

• You get an infection. You might have redness, pain, swelling, or drainage at the site of your biopsy.

• You have bleeding at the site of your biopsy.

• You are coughing up blood. This may be only a small amount.

• You have a fever of 100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider.

Call 911

Call 911 right away if:

• You have shortness of breath, pain with breathing, or trouble breathing. These could be signs of a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). This means that air from your lungs leaks out into the spaces between your lungs and chest wall.

• You have a fast heart rate.

• You have sharp pains in your chest or shoulder.

• Your fingernails, lips, or skin turn blue, purple, or gray.

• You have trouble walking or talking.

• You feel faint or dizzy.

• You have severe bleeding or are coughing up large amounts of blood.