A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hours postpartum and has a fourth-degree laceration of the perineum. The nurse should take which of the following actions?
Provide the client with a cool sitz bath.
Administer methylergonovine 0.2 mg IM.
Apply povidone-iodine to the client's perineum after she voids.
Apply a moist, warm compress to the perineum.
The Correct Answer is D
A fourth-degree laceration involves a tear that extends through the perineal muscles and extends to the anal sphincter. This type of laceration requires careful management to promote healing and prevent infection. Applying a moist, warm compress to the perineum helps to promote blood flow, reduce swelling, and provide comfort to the client.
Option a) Providing the client with a cool sitz bath is not appropriate for a fourth-degree laceration. Cool sitz baths are typically used for relieving discomfort and reducing swelling in cases of perineal trauma, but in the case of a fourth-degree laceration, warm compresses are preferred.
Option b) Administering methylergonovine 0.2 mg IM is not necessary for a fourth-degree laceration. Methylergonovine is a medication used to promote uterine contractions and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. However, it is not specifically indicated for the management of perineal lacerations.
Option c) Applying povidone-iodine to the client's perineum after she voids is not recommended for a fourth-degree laceration. Povidone-iodine is an antiseptic solution used to disinfect the skin. However, it is not typically used on open wounds, such as perineal lacerations, as it may delay wound healing.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) occurs in newborns who were exposed to addictive substances, such as opioids, during pregnancy. Infants with NAS may experience withdrawal symptoms and can be hypersensitive to stimuli. Therefore, it is important to minimize unnecessary handling to help reduce stimulation and discomfort for the newborn.
Option a) Swaddling the newborn with his legs extended may increase discomfort for a newborn with NAS. It is often recommended to swaddle newborns with NAS in a flexed position to provide a sense of security and comfort.
Option b) Maintaining eye contact during feedings may be overwhelming for a newborn with NAS. Maintaining a calm, quiet environment during feedings can help reduce overstimulation and improve feeding success.
Option c) Scheduling larger volume feedings at less frequent intervals may not be appropriate for a newborn with NAS. These infants may have poor feeding tolerance and may benefit from smaller, more frequent feedings to avoid overwhelming their gastrointestinal system.
Therefore, option d) Plan care to minimize handling of the newborn is the correct action to take when caring for a newborn with neonatal abstinence syndrome. It helps reduce stimulation and discomfort for the newborn.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is the method that the nurse should use to elicit the Moro reflex. The Moro reflex, or startle reflex, is an involuntary motor response that infants develop shortly after birth. It is a response to a sudden loss of support or extremely sudden stimulation¹. A loud noise above the newborn can trigger the Moro reflex by startling the infant. The Moro reflex involves three distinct components: spreading out the arms (abduction), pulling the arms in (adduction), and crying (usually)².
The other options are not correct because they do not elicit the Moro reflex.
a) Turn the newborn's head to one side.
This does not elicit the Moro reflex, but rather the tonic neck reflex. The tonic neck reflex occurs when the infant turns their head to one side and assumes a "fencing" posture, with the arm and leg on the same side extended and the opposite arm and leg flexed.
b) Touch the newborn's cheek with a finger.
This does not elicit the Moro reflex, but rather the rooting reflex. The rooting reflex occurs when the infant turns their head and opens their mouth in response to a touch on their cheek or mouth. This reflex helps the infant locate and latch onto a nipple for feeding³.
d) Tap the newborn's forehead with a finger.
This does not elicit the Moro reflex, but rather the glabellar reflex. The glabellar reflex occurs when the infant blinks in response to a tap on their forehead or bridge of their nose. This reflex helps protect the eyes from injury³.
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