A nurse is caring for a client who had a vaginal delivery 4 hours ago and reports perineal pain of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Apply a corticosteroid cream to the perineal area twice daily.
Increase the client’s fluid intake for 48 hours.
Catheterize the client’s bladder.
Offer an ice pack to the client during the first 24 hours.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Applying a corticosteroid cream is not appropriate for acute perineal pain. It is more suitable for chronic inflammation or skin conditions.
Choice B rationale
Increasing fluid intake is beneficial for overall health, but it does not directly address acute perineal pain.
Choice C rationale
Catheterizing the bladder is not indicated for perineal pain unless there is a specific issue with urinary retention.
Choice D rationale
Offering an ice pack helps reduce swelling and numb the area, providing immediate relief for acute perineal pain. It is a standard intervention for postpartum perineal discomfort.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) 18 hours postpartum is slightly elevated but not necessarily indicative of a serious issue. It may require monitoring but is not the most urgent concern.
Choice B rationale
Abdominal pain during breastfeeding 8 hours postpartum is a common experience due to uterine contractions. While it may cause discomfort, it is not typically an urgent concern.
Choice C rationale
Not having a bowel movement 24 hours postpartum is not uncommon and does not usually require immediate attention. It can be addressed with dietary changes and other interventions.
Choice D rationale
Saturating one perineal pad over 2 hours 6 hours postpartum in a G5P4 client indicates a potential risk of postpartum hemorrhage. This is a more urgent concern that requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent complications.
Correct Answer is ["F","G","H"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Deep tendon reflexes of 1+ are considered normal and do not indicate any immediate concern. Reflexes are graded on a scale from 0 to 4+, with 2+ being normal. A 1+ reflex is slightly diminished but can be normal in some individuals.
Choice B rationale:
A pain rating of 3 on a scale of 0 to 10 is relatively low and manageable. Postpartum pain is expected, and a rating of 3 does not indicate severe pain that requires immediate intervention.
Choice C rationale:
The blood pressure reading of 136/86 mm Hg is slightly elevated but not alarming. Postpartum blood pressure can fluctuate, and this reading does not indicate a hypertensive crisis.
Choice D rationale:
Peripheral edema of 2+ in the bilateral lower extremities is common postpartum due to fluid retention and is not typically a cause for immediate concern unless accompanied by other symptoms such as severe pain or redness.
Choice E rationale:
Soft breasts with intact nipples are normal findings in the early postpartum period, especially if the client is breastfeeding. There is no indication of issues such as mastitis or engorgement.
Choice F rationale:
A large amount of lochia rubra is concerning as it may indicate postpartum hemorrhage. Lochia should gradually decrease in amount and change in color over time. A large amount of bright red blood suggests excessive bleeding that requires immediate follow-up.
Choice G rationale:
A soft uterine tone is abnormal and can indicate uterine atony, which is a leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. The uterus should be firm and contracted to prevent excessive bleeding.
Choice H rationale:
Lateral deviation of the uterus can indicate a full bladder, which can prevent the uterus from contracting properly and lead to increased bleeding. This requires immediate attention to ensure the bladder is emptied and the uterus can contract effectively.