A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 days postpartum and has a vaginal birth with an episiotomy.
The client reports that her perineal area is sore 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.”
D. “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 hips and buttocks and can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the perineal area after delivery. A warm sitz bath can also ease the pain of urination and promote blood flow to the area for faster healing.
Choice A is wrong because applying heat to the perineum can increase inflammation and pain. Choice B is wrong because using an ice pack on the perineum can cause an uncomfortable, sudden sensation of coldness on the skin. Choice D is wrong because using a heating pad on the abdomen has no effect on the perineal area and can also increase inflammation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Lochia rubra.This is because lochia rubra is the first stage of postpartum bleeding and discharge, which lasts for about three to four days after giving birth.Lochia rubra is dark or bright red in color and contains blood, mucus, uterine tissue and other materials from the uterus.
Choice B.Lochia serosa is wrong because lochia serosa is the second stage of postpartum bleeding and discharge, which lasts for four to 12 days after giving birth.Lochia serosa is pinkish brown in color and thinner and more watery than lochia rubra.
Choice C.Lochia alba is wrong because lochia alba is the third and final stage of postpartum bleeding and discharge, which lasts from about 12 days to six weeks after giving birth.Lochia alba is yellowish white in color and contains little to no blood.
Choice D.No lochia is wrong because lochia is a normal part of the postpartum healing process and does not usually cause complications.Lochia helps clear the uterus of any residual tissue, blood and fluid after pregnancy.No lochia may indicate a problem such as infection or retained placenta.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Large clots on day 3 postpartum.This is because large clots indicate excessive bleeding and may be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage, which is a rare but potentially fatal condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Choice A is wrong because lochia rubra, which is dark or bright red blood, is normal for the first three to four days after birth.
Choice B is wrong because lochia serosa, which is pinkish brown discharge that’s less bloody looking, is normal for four to 12 days after birth.
Choice C is wrong because lochia alba, which is yellowish white discharge with little to no blood, is normal from about 12 days to six weeks after birth.
Normal ranges for lochia are:
• Lochia rubra: lasts for three to four days, flows like a heavy period, small clots are normal.
• Lochia serosa: lasts for four to 12 days, flow is moderate, less clotting or no clots.
• Lochia alba: lasts from about 12 days to six weeks, light flow or spotting, no clots.
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