A nurse is caring for a client who had a vaginal delivery 4 hr ago and reports perineal pain of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Offer an ice pack to the client during the first 24 hr.
Apply a corticosteroid cream to the perineal area twice daily.
Increase the client's fluid intake for 48 hr.
Catheterize the client's bladder.
The Correct Answer is A
(a) Offer an ice pack to the client during the first 24 hr.
Offering an ice pack is an appropriate intervention for managing perineal pain and swelling in the immediate postpartum period. Ice helps to reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing pain relief. This is a standard recommendation for managing perineal pain after vaginal delivery.
(b) Apply a corticosteroid cream to the perineal area twice daily.
Applying a corticosteroid cream is not typically recommended for perineal pain immediately after delivery. These creams are generally used for inflammatory skin conditions and not for the acute management of perineal pain and swelling after childbirth.
(c) Increase the client's fluid intake for 48 hr.
While maintaining adequate hydration is important for overall recovery, increasing fluid intake specifically does not address the client's perineal pain. This intervention would not provide immediate pain relief for the perineal area.
(d) Catheterize the client's bladder.
Catheterizing the bladder is not a standard intervention for perineal pain. It is typically done if the client has urinary retention or difficulty voiding, not for managing pain. This action would not directly alleviate the perineal pain the client is experiencing.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
(A) Assist the client to empty her bladder:
Emptying the bladder is an essential intervention, especially in laboring women with epidural anesthesia, as a full bladder can contribute to hypotension. However, in this scenario, the priority is to address the hypotension directly with fluid administration. After stabilizing the client's blood pressure, assisting with bladder emptying would be appropriate.
(B) Place the client in knee-chest position:
The knee-chest position is not typically indicated for managing hypotension. While this position can increase venous return to the heart and potentially increase blood pressure, it is not the initial intervention for hypotension associated with epidural anesthesia. Intravenous fluid administration is the primary intervention to increase blood pressure in this situation.
(C) Administer methylergonovine IM:
Methylergonovine is a medication used to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage by causing uterine contractions. It is not indicated for the management of hypotension associated with epidural anesthesia during labor. Administering methylergonovine in this situation could potentially exacerbate hypotension and should be avoided.
(D) Give a bolus of lactated Ringer's:
The client's blood pressure is low (80/40 mm Hg), indicating hypotension. Hypotension can be a common side effect of epidural anesthesia during labor. Administering a bolus of intravenous fluids, such as lactated Ringer's solution, is the initial intervention to address hypotension. Fluid administration helps increase intravascular volume, improving blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
(A) "You will be prescribed methadone":
Methadone maintenance therapy is a commonly used treatment for opioid use disorder in pregnant women. Methadone helps to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and stabilize the individual, promoting healthier outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
(B) "You will be prescribed aripiprazole":
Aripiprazole is not typically prescribed for opioid use disorder. It is an antipsychotic medication used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, but it is not indicated for opioid dependence or withdrawal.
(C) "You will be prescribed naloxone":
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose. While it is crucial to have naloxone readily available for individuals with opioid use disorder to prevent overdose deaths, it is not a primary treatment for opioid use disorder during pregnancy.
(D) "You will be prescribed diazepam":
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine medication primarily used for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. It is not indicated for the treatment of opioid use disorder during pregnancy. In fact, benzodiazepines like diazepam should be used with caution during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects and neonatal withdrawal symptoms.
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