A patient had an episiotomy during her delivery. Which nursing action should be included in her plan of care for the first 12 hours?

Have her do Kegel exercises once an hour.

Apply ice to her perineal area.

Keep her hips slightly elevated.

Observe her perineal area for signs of infection.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The correct answer is choice B. Apply ice to her perineal area. This is because ice can help reduce swelling and pain in the episiotomy wound, which is a cut made in the tissue between the vagina and anus during childbirth. Ice should be applied for the first 24 to 48 hours after delivery.

Choice A is wrong because Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, are not recommended for the first 12 hours after an episiotomy. They can increase blood flow and inflammation in the area, and may interfere with healing.

Choice C is wrong because keeping her hips slightly elevated can cause pressure on the episiotomy wound and increase discomfort. It can also affect blood circulation and drainage in the area.

Choice D is wrong because observing her perineal area for signs of infection is not a nursing action that should be included in her plan of care for the first 12 hours. Infection is rare in episiotomy wounds, and signs of infection usually appear after 24 hours or later. However, the nurse should teach the patient how to keep the area clean and dry, and when to report any signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or foul-smelling discharge.

Normal ranges for episiotomy healing are:

• Stitches dissolve within 2 to 4 weeks

• Pain and swelling subside within a few days to a week

• Wound heals completely within 4 to 6 weeks

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

This means that the uterus is constantly contracted and does not relax between contractions.This can cause the placenta to separate from the uterine wall, which is called placental abruption or abruptio placentae.Placental abruption can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and cause heavy bleeding in the mother.

Choice B is wrong because strong uterine contractions every 3-4 minutes are normal during labor and do not indicate placental abruption.

Choice C is wrong because bile-colored vomitus is not a sign of placental abruption, but rather a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because fetal heart rate acceleration with fetal activity is a normal finding and indicates a healthy baby.Placental abruption can cause fetal distress and a decrease in fetal heart rate.

A. A symptom of an endocrine disorder. B. In response to the need for chromosomal determination of gender identity. C. Related to the influence of maternal hormones. D. A symptom of an abnormal proliferation of mammary alveoli.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C: Related to the influence of maternal hormones.This is because breast milk contains many hormones that pass into it from the mother’s body, such as prolactin, thyroid hormones, and estrogen.

These hormones can affect the baby’s growth and development, and sometimes cause temporary breast enlargement and milk secretion in newborns of both sexes.This is called neonatal galactorrhea or “witch’s milk” and it is harmless and usually resolves within a few weeks

Choice A is wrong because neonatal galactorrhea is not a symptom of an endocrine disorder.It is a normal physiological response to maternal hormones that cross the placenta during pregnancy and are present in breast milk

Choice B is wrong because neonatal galactorrhea is not related to the need for chromosomal determination of gender identity.Gender identity is determined by a complex interaction of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, and it is not influenced by breast milk production in newborns

Choice D is wrong because neonatal galactorrhea is not a symptom of an abnormal proliferation of mammary alveoli.

Mammary alveoli are the milk-producing cells in the breast, and they are stimulated by prolactin to secrete milk.Neonatal galactorrhea does not indicate any abnormality in the structure or function of the mammary glands

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A patient had an episiotomy during her delivery. Which nursing action should be included in her plan of care for the first 12 hours?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient with no prenatal care is admitted to the labor and delivery unit.She is placed on an external fetal monitor, and an intravenous infusion is begun. A tentative diagnosis of abruptio placentae is made.Which finding would support this diagnosis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The mother of a 4-hour-old newborn reports to a nurse, “My son is producing breast milk.” The nurse’s response should be based on which understanding about newborn physiology? This is:.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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