A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is 12 hr postpartum and has an episiotomy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Cleanse the perineal area from back to front.
Wash the perineal area with povidone-iodine twice daily
Change the perineal pad with each void
"Wipe the perineal area with a soft cloth."
The Correct Answer is C
Answer: C. Change the perineal pad with each void.
Rationale:
A) Cleanse the perineal area from back to front: Cleansing from back to front is not recommended as it increases the risk of introducing bacteria from the anal area to the perineal wound, potentially leading to infection. The correct technique is front-to-back cleansing to prevent contamination.
B) Wash the perineal area with povidone-iodine twice daily: Povidone-iodine is not typically recommended for regular perineal care postpartum, as it can disrupt normal flora and potentially irritate the healing tissues. Using warm water and mild soap is safer for cleansing the area.
C) Change the perineal pad with each void: Changing the perineal pad with each void helps maintain cleanliness and reduces moisture in the perineal area, decreasing the risk of infection and promoting comfort during the healing process of an episiotomy.
D) Wipe the perineal area with a soft cloth: Wiping the area can disrupt the stitches and may cause discomfort. Instead, clients are usually advised to gently pat dry or use a squirt bottle to cleanse, which reduces pressure on the healing tissue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should apply a heat pack 5 to 10 minutes prior to the procedure when planning to obtain blood from a newborn via a heel stick. This helps to increase blood flow to the area and makes it easier to obtain the specimen.
a) Puncturing the heel to a depth of 4 mm is too deep and can cause injury to the newborn. The recommended depth for a heel stick is 2.4 mm or less.
b) Withholding feeding prior to collecting the specimen is not necessary.
d) Elevating the newborn's foot for 15 minutes following the procedure is not necessary.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should report the possible abuse to adult protective services if an older adult client states that their child took all their money. This is an important nursing intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of the client.
a) Instructing the client to report the theft to the police may be appropriate, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse has a legal and ethical obligation to report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities.
c) Asking the client if there is another family member they can call for financial help may be appropriate, but it does not address the issue of possible abuse.
d) Restricting visitation for the client's family until discharge is not appropriate and may violate the client's rights.
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