The nurse instructs a postpartum patient in the use of a sitz bath. Which action by the patient indicates that the teaching was effective?
The patient uses the sitz bath three times a day.
The patient alternates between warm and cool sitz baths.
The patient remains in the sitz bath for up to 60 minutes.
The patient alternates tightening and relaxing her perineal muscles during her sitz bath.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. The patient uses the sitz bath three times a day. This indicates that the patient understands the benefits of sitz baths for postpartum recovery, such as pain relief, increased blood flow, relaxation, cleansing, and itch relief. Sitz baths can be done with warm or cool water, depending on the preference of the patient. However, they should not be done for more than 20 minutes at a time, as this can cause the stitches in the perineal area to fall apart.
Therefore, choice C is wrong. Choice B is also wrong, as there is no evidence that alternating between warm and cool sitz baths has any additional benefits or effects.
Choice D is wrong, as tightening and relaxing the perineal muscles during a sitz bath is not recommended. This can cause more pain and irritation to the area, and interfere with the healing process. The normal ranges for sitz baths are two to four times a day for up to 20 minutes each.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because the first priority for a pregnant woman with acute abdominal pain is to assess the fetal well-being and rule out any obstetric complications such as placental abruption, uterine rupture, or preterm labor.Fetal heart tones can indicate the presence and viability of the fetus and alert the nurse to any signs of fetal distress or hypoxia.
Choice A: Obtain a full history is wrong because it is not the most urgent action.
A full history can provide valuable information about the possible causes of abdominal pain, but it should not delay the assessment of fetal status and maternal vital signs.
Choice B: Examine the cervix for dilation is wrong because it can be harmful in some cases.A digital cervical examination should be avoided until placenta previa is ruled out by ultrasound, as it can cause bleeding and worsen the condition.
Moreover, cervical dilation alone does not indicate the cause or severity of abdominal pain.
Choice D: Palpate for uterine contraction frequency is wrong because it is not the most reliable method to assess labor.Uterine contractions can be measured by external tocodynamometry or internal intrauterine pressure catheter, which can provide more accurate and objective data than manual palpation.
Furthermore, uterine contractions do not necessarily indicate labor, as they can also be caused by other conditions such as dehydration, infection, or irritable uterus.
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