A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and has an episiotomy.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Instruct the client to apply anesthetic spray to the site three to four times a day.
Encourage the client to change perineal pads at least three times a day.
Assist the client to fill the squeeze bottle with cold water to perform perineal care.
Alternate warm and ice packs to the site every 2 hours for the first 24 hours postpartum.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Instructing the client to apply anesthetic spray to the site three to four times a day is incorrect. While anesthetic sprays can help with pain relief, it's more important to manage swelling and discomfort with a combination of methods, including ice packs and perineal care.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging the client to change perineal pads at least three times a day is insufficient. Pads should be changed more frequently to maintain hygiene and prevent infection.
Choice C rationale
Assisting the client to fill the squeeze bottle with cold water to perform perineal care is incorrect. While perineal care is important, cold water is not typically recommended as it may not provide comfort and might even cause discomfort.
Choice D rationale
Alternating warm and ice packs to the site every 2 hours for the first 24 hours postpartum is correct. This method helps manage pain and swelling effectively, promoting healing and comfort for the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Elevating the client's legs is incorrect as an initial intervention. It is more important to address the potential cause of the late decelerations first.
Choice B rationale
Turning the client onto their side is correct. This intervention can improve blood flow to the fetus and reduce the pressure on the vena cava, potentially alleviating late decelerations.
Choice C rationale
Palpating the client's uterus is not the first action. It is essential to address maternal positioning and oxygenation issues first.
Choice D rationale
Increasing the client's IV fluid infusion rate may help, but it is not the initial action. Positioning changes can have an immediate effect on fetal oxygenation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A client whose labor lasted for 6 hours is not necessarily a priority unless other complications are present. Duration of labor alone does not indicate an urgent need for immediate attention postpartum.
Choice B rationale
A client who received magnesium sulfate during labor should be seen first due to the potential for serious side effects such as respiratory depression, hypotonia in the newborn, and maternal complications. Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in clients with preeclampsia and requires close monitoring.
Choice C rationale
A client with a history of oligohydramnios needs monitoring, but this condition alone does not take precedence over the immediate postpartum risks associated with magnesium sulfate.
Choice D rationale
A client whose newborn is having difficulty latching-on needs support and assistance with breastfeeding. While important, this issue is not as urgent as monitoring the effects of magnesium sulfate in the client described in Choice B.
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