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 ["A","E"]
No explanation
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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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