A nurse is caring for a client who is 5 days 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.
“Apply heat to your perineum.”
“You should increase your fluid intake.”
.“You should increase your fiber intake.”
“You should avoid straining during bowel movements.”.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
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 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.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.