A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 week postpartum and has a vaginal birth with an episiotomy.
The client reports that she has pain in her perineal area and asks the nurse what she can do to relieve the discomfort.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
“Apply heat to your perineum.”
“Use an ice pack on your perineum.”
“Take a warm sitz bath.”
“Use a heating pad on your abdomen.”
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. “Take a warm sitz bath.” A sitz bath is a shallow bath that covers the perineum and can help relieve pain and swelling after a vaginal birth with an episiotomy. A sitz bath can also promote healing and prevent infection by keeping the area clean.
Choice A is wrong because applying heat to the perineum can increase inflammation and delay healing. Choice B is wrong because using an ice pack on the perineum is only recommended for the first 24 hours after delivery to reduce swelling. After that, ice can cause tissue damage and slow down blood flow to the area. Choice D is wrong because using a heating pad on the abdomen has no effect on the perineal pain and can also cause burns or overheating.
Normal ranges for postpartum perineal pain vary depending on the type and degree of injury, but generally it should improve within a few weeks. If the pain persists or worsens, or if there are signs of infection such as fever, foul-smelling discharge, or redness, it is important to seek medical attention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C.“I should report foul odor.” This indicates an understanding of the teaching because foul odor is a sign of infection and should be reported to the healthcare provider.Lochia is the normal vaginal discharge after childbirth that contains blood, mucus, uterine tissue and other materials.It has three stages: lochia rubra (red), lochia serosa (pinkish brown) and lochia alba (yellowish white).Lochia usually lasts for four to eight weeks.
Choice A is wrong because heavy bleeding is expected for the first few days after delivery and then gradually decreases.However, if the bleeding is excessive or does not slow down, it could indicate a postpartum hemorrhage and should be reported immediately.
Choice B is wrong because abdominal pain is normal after delivery as the uterus contracts and shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size.However, if the pain is severe or does not improve with pain medication, it could indicate a complication such as infection or retained placenta and should be reported.
Choice D is wrong because perineal itching is common after delivery due to healing of the tissues and stitches.However, if the itching is accompanied by redness, swelling, discharge or fever, it could indicate an infection and should be reported.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D.“You should avoid straining during bowel movements.” This is because straining can cause pain and bleeding in the perineal area, especially if the client has an episiotomy or hemorrhoids.Straining can also worsen the damage to the pelvic floor muscles or the anal sphincter muscles that might have occurred during delivery.
Choice A is wrong because taking a laxative can cause diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.Laxatives should only be used if prescribed by a health care provider.
Choice B is wrong because increasing fluid intake alone is not enough to prevent or treat constipation.Fluid intake should be combined with adequate fiber intake and physical activity.
Choice C is wrong because increasing fiber intake alone is not enough to prevent or treat constipation.Fiber intake should be combined with adequate fluid intake and physical activity.
Normal ranges for fluid intake are about 2 to 3 liters per day for a lactating woman and about 1.5 to 2 liters per day for a non-lactating woman.Normal ranges for fiber intake are about 25 to 35 grams per day for adults.Normal ranges for physical activity are about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week for healthy adults.
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