A nurse is caring for a client who has unrelieved episiotomy pain 8 hr following delivery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place a soft pillow under the client's buttocks.
Apply an ice pack to the perineum.
Position a heating lamp toward the episiotomy.
Prepare a warm sitz bath.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B: Apply an ice pack to the perineum. This is the recommended action for unrelieved episiotomy pain within the first 24 hours following delivery, as it helps reduce swelling and provide pain relief.
Choice A rationale:
Placing a soft pillow under the client’s buttocks may provide comfort, but it does not directly address the inflammation and pain associated with an episiotomy. It is not the primary intervention for unrelieved episiotomy pain shortly after delivery.
Choice B rationale:
Applying an ice pack to the perineum is a standard practice for reducing pain and swelling after an episiotomy. The cold temperature causes vasoconstriction, which can help to decrease swelling and provide pain relief. This is especially effective within the first 24 hours post-delivery.
Choice C rationale:
Positioning a heating lamp toward the episiotomy is not recommended immediately following the procedure, as heat can increase blood flow to the area, potentially worsening swelling and pain in the acute phase after the surgery.
Choice D rationale:
While a warm sitz bath may be beneficial for episiotomy pain relief, it is typically recommended after the initial 24-hour period post-delivery. In the first 24 hours, cold therapy is preferred to reduce acute inflammation and pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Assure the client that the score is within the expected range.
Choice A rationale:
Administering oxygen and notifying the provider is not necessary for a biophysical profile (BPP) score of 10. A score of 10 indicates that the fetus is well-oxygenated and there are no signs of distress.
Choice B rationale:
A BPP score of 10 is considered normal and reassuring, indicating that the fetus is well-oxygenated and there are no signs of distress. Therefore, the nurse should assure the client that the score is within the expected range.
Choice C rationale:
Offering the client orange juice and repeating the assessment in 1 hour is not necessary for a BPP score of 10. This action might be considered if the score were lower and there was a need to reassess fetal well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Assisting the client into a side-lying position is not required for a BPP score of 10. This position is typically recommended to improve uteroplacental blood flow in cases of fetal distress or lower BPP scores.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale:
The correct answer is Choice D. The biophysical profile is a prenatal test used to assess fetal well-being in the third trimester of pregnancy. It is not used to determine the estimated date of birth (Choice A), as that is typically calculated based on the first day of the last menstrual period and confirmed or adjusted by early ultrasounds.
The test also does not require the client to be NPO (nothing by mouth) for 8 hours prior to the test (Choice B). This restriction is commonly associated with certain medical procedures, but it is not applicable to the biophysical profile.
Furthermore, there is no need to initiate an IV (intravenous line) before the biophysical profile (Choice C). The test is non-invasive and involves the use of ultrasound and fetal heart rate monitoring. The biophysical profile assesses several fetal parameters, such as fetal movement, fetal tone, fetal breathing movements, amniotic fluid volume, and the fetal heart rate. These parameters help evaluate the well-being and health of the baby. The test is often recommended in cases of high-risk pregnancies, decreased fetal movement, or other conditions that may warrant closer monitoring of the baby's condition. By knowing that the biophysical profile predicts fetal well-being in the third trimester, the nurse can provide accurate information to the client, reassuring them about the health of their baby and explaining the importance of the test in ensuring a safe delivery and healthy outcome.
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