Which of the following are complications associated with needle biopsy?

• A. hemothorax, pneumothorax, hemoptysis, and air embolism
• B. infection only
• C. cardiac arrhythmias
• D. none of the above

Answer: (A)

Needle biopsy carries risks primarily from puncturing the pleura and lung tissue. The most relevant complications include pneumothorax from air entering the pleural space, hemothorax from bleeding into the chest, and hemoptysis from bleeding within the airways. Air embolism is also a recognized, though rare, risk when air enters a vascular channel during needle placement. Infection can occur but is less common, and cardiac arrhythmias are not typical consequences of this procedure. Because the listed set includes the common complications together, it best reflects the potential issues that can arise with needle biopsy. The other options either describe only one complication, a less typical event, or none of the above.