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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Encourage the woman to empty her bladder regularly.A boggy uterus is a condition that occurs when the uterus fails to contract properly after childbirth, leading to excessive bleeding and possible postpartum hemorrhage.One of the causes of a boggy uterus is bladder distension, which can prevent the uterus from contracting and returning to its normal position.Therefore, encouraging the woman to empty her bladder regularly can help reduce the risk of a boggy uterus and postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice A is wrong because administering oxytocics as prescribed is not an action that the nurse should take, but rather the physician or midwife.Oxytocics are medications that stimulate uterine contractions and are used to treat a boggy uterus when other methods fail.
Choice C is wrong because providing a peri-bottle with warm water for cleansing after each voiding or bowel movement is not an action that can prevent or treat a boggy uterus.It is a hygiene measure that can help prevent infection and promote healing of the perineal area after childbirth.
Choice D is wrong because advising the woman to avoid tampons is not an action that can prevent or treat a boggy uterus.It is a precautionary measure that can help prevent infection and irritation of the vaginal canal after childbirth.Tampons should be avoided for at least six weeks after delivery.
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.
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