A nurse is caring for a client who reports unrelieved episiotomy pain 8 hr following a vaginal birth. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Assisting the client to a sitz bath is not the priority action in this situation. The client has soaked two perineal pads in the past 30 minutes, indicating excessive bleeding, which requires immediate attention.

Choice B rationale:

Assessing the client's uterine tone is essential to determine if the uterus is contracting appropriately. Uterine atony, where the uterus fails to contract after childbirth, is a common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Assessing the tone helps identify this issue and allows for timely interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to breastfeed may have benefits such as promoting uterine contractions through oxytocin release. However, the priority in this scenario is addressing the potential postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice D rationale:

Applying an ice pack to the client's perineum may provide comfort, but it does not address the concerning symptom of excessive bleeding and potential postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice A rationale:

This would be incorrect advice. Increasing dietary fiber is commonly recommended during pregnancy to prevent constipation, but it does not address stress incontinence.

Choice B rationale:

This is a correct choice. Kegel exercises are beneficial during pregnancy to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can help manage stress incontinence.

Choice C rationale:

This would be incorrect advice. Restricting daily fluid intake during pregnancy is generally not recommended as it can lead to dehydration and is unlikely to improve stress incontinence.

Choice D rationale:

This is another correct choice. Caffeine is a bladder irritant and can worsen stress incontinence, so reducing caffeine intake can be helpful.

Choice E rationale:

This would be incorrect advice. Regular exercise during pregnancy is generally encouraged unless there are specific medical reasons to avoid it. Avoiding daily exercise is not the appropriate approach to manage stress incontinence.