A postpartum client has a fourth-degree perineal laceration. The nurse would expect which of the following medications to be ordered?
Select one:

Choice A Reason: About 1 of every 5 women will experience abuse in her lifetime is a statistic that shows the prevalence of domestic violence, but it does not address the question of what the nurse should emphasize to the group of women.

Choice B Reason: When women go back to the situation after the abuser has calmed down, things will be beter is a false statement that reflects the cycle of abuse, where the abuser may apologize and promise to change after a violent episode, but then repeat the same behavior later. This does not help the women understand their situation or seek help.

Choice C Reason: The victimized woman can easily leave the situation is a false statement that ignores the many barriers and challenges that women face when trying to escape from domestic violence, such as fear, isolation, financial dependence, lack of support, legal issues, and threats from the abuser. This does not empower the women or provide them with realistic options.

Choice D Reason: The violence will not stop or decrease if the woman becomes pregnant is a true statement that highlights the danger of staying in an abusive relationship during pregnancy. Domestic violence can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, placental abruption, fetal injury, and maternal death. This may motivate the women to seek safety and protection for themselves and their unborn children.

Choice A Reason: Docusate sodium (Colace). This is because docusate sodium is a stool softener that can prevent constipation and straining during defecation, which can aggravate or impair the healing of a perineal laceration. A fourth-degree perineal laceration is a severe tear that extends through the skin, muscles, perineal body, and anal sphincter into the rectal mucosa. It can occur during vaginal delivery due to factors such as fetal macrosomia, forceps use, or episiotomy.

Choice B Reason: Bromocriptine (Parlodel). This is an inappropriate medication for a postpartum client with a fourth- degree perineal laceration, as it has no effect on wound healing or pain relief. Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist that can suppress lactation by inhibiting prolactin secretion. It is used for women who do not wish to breastfeed or who have medical contraindications to breastfeeding.

Choice C Reason: Ferrous sulfate (Feosol). This is an unnecessary medication for a postpartum client with a fourth- degree perineal laceration, unless she has iron deficiency anemia. Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that can treat or prevent anemia by increasing hemoglobin production and oxygen-carrying capacity. Anemia can occur in the postpartum period due to blood loss during delivery or poor nutritional intake during pregnancy.

Choice D Reason: Methylergonovine (Methergine). This is an irrelevant medication for a postpartum client with a fourth-degree perineal laceration, as it does not affect wound healing or pain relief. Methylergonovine is an ergot alkaloid that can stimulate uterine contractions and reduce postpartum bleeding. It is used for women who have uterine atony or hemorrhage.