A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and has an episiotomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Instruct the client to apply anesthetic spray to the site three to four times a day.
Encourage the client to change perineal pads at least three times a day.
Assist the client to fill the squeeze bottle with cold water to perform perineal care.
Alternate warm and ice packs to the site every 2 hours for the first 24 hours postpartum.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Instructing the client to apply anesthetic spray to the site three to four times a day is incorrect. While anesthetic sprays can help with pain relief, it's more important to manage swelling and discomfort with a combination of methods, including ice packs and perineal care.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging the client to change perineal pads at least three times a day is insufficient. Pads should be changed more frequently to maintain hygiene and prevent infection.
Choice C rationale
Assisting the client to fill the squeeze bottle with cold water to perform perineal care is incorrect. While perineal care is important, cold water is not typically recommended as it may not provide comfort and might even cause discomfort.
Choice D rationale
Alternating warm and ice packs to the site every 2 hours for the first 24 hours postpartum is correct. This method helps manage pain and swelling effectively, promoting healing and comfort for the client.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Nausea can be a side effect of magnesium sulfate, but it is not a specific indication of toxicity. Other symptoms are more directly indicative of magnesium sulfate overdose.
Choice B rationale
Facial flushing is a common side effect of magnesium sulfate but is not a sign of toxicity. It typically occurs at therapeutic levels and is not a reliable indicator of overdose.
Choice C rationale
Urine output of 40 mL/hr is within normal limits for an adult and does not indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity. However, significantly decreased urine output could be concerning.
Choice D rationale
Respiratory rate of 10/min is a critical sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity. Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression, and a rate of 10 breaths per minute or less indicates that the patient may be experiencing toxic effects, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ensuring the client has a full bladder before the procedure is incorrect. A full bladder can cause discomfort during the pelvic examination and may obscure the pelvic organs, making the examination more challenging for the provider.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the client to bear down when the speculum is inserted is correct. Bearing down helps relax the pelvic muscles, making it easier to insert the speculum and perform the examination with minimal discomfort.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the client to take rapid, shallow breaths during the procedure is incorrect. This can increase anxiety and tension in the pelvic muscles, making the examination more uncomfortable.
Choice D rationale
Applying povidone-iodine to the provider's fingers prior to bimanual examination is incorrect. The standard procedure involves using gloves and lubricant to prevent infection and ensure patient comfort, not povidone-iodine.