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 C
Explanation
Choice C rationale:
This response is correct because black stools are a common side effect of taking iron supplements. Iron can cause the stool to appear black or
tarry due to the way it is broken down during digestion. It does not necessarily indicate a serious issue, especially if the client is not experiencing any abdominal pain or cramping. Educating the client about this expected side effect helps alleviate any concerns they might have about the change in stool colour.
Choice A rationale:
"Go to the emergency room and your provider will meet you there.”. This response is not appropriate in this situation. The client's report of black stools without abdominal pain or cramping is likely due to the iron supplements and does not warrant a visit to the emergency room. This response may cause unnecessary panic and anxiety for the client.
Choice B rationale:
"What else have you been eating?.”. This response is also not the best choice. While it's essential for healthcare providers to gather comprehensive information about a client's diet and lifestyle, in this case, the client's black stools can be directly attributed to the iron supplements. Focusing on other dietary factors might distract from addressing the client's concern about the side effect of iron supplementation.
Choice D rationale:
"Come to the office, and we will check things out.”. This response is not the most appropriate one either. A visit to the office might not be necessary solely based on the client's report of black stools without accompanying pain or cramping. This situation can be managed through education, and the client can be reassured that it is a typical side effect of iron supplements. An unnecessary visit to the office could inconvenience the client and waste both their time and the healthcare provider's time.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
The correct answer is Choice B, which is "Newborn hypoglycemia.”. Newborn hypoglycemia is a potential complication associated with maternal gestational diabetes. When a pregnant woman has gestational diabetes, her blood glucose levels can be elevated, leading to increased insulin production in the fetus. After birth, the baby's insulin production continues at a high level, which can result in a rapid drop in blood glucose levels, causing hypoglycemia. This condition can be serious and requires close monitoring and timely intervention to prevent complications in the newborn.
Choice A rationale :
Placenta previa is not a complication associated with maternal gestational diabetes. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, which can lead to bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. However, this condition is not directly related to gestational diabetes, and there is no physiological rationale connecting the two.
Choice C rationale
Small for gestational age (SGA) newborn is not a direct complication of maternal gestational diabetes. SGA refers to babies who are smaller in size than expected for their gestational age. While poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy can lead to large babies (macrosomia), it is not typically associated with small babies.
Choice D rationale
Oligohydramnios, which is a condition characterized by low levels of amniotic fluid, is not a common complication associated with maternal gestational diabetes. Oligohydramnios can be caused by various factors, but it is not specifically linked to gestational diabetes.
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