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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Bleeding gums can be common during pregnancy due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes that affect the gums, causing them to be more sensitive and prone to bleeding. It's usually not a cause for immediate concern unless it's severe or accompanied by other symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Abdominal cramping at 26 weeks of gestation could indicate preterm labor or other complications, such as placental abruption. It's a significant symptom that needs immediate medical attention to ensure both maternal and fetal well-being.
Choice C rationale
White vaginal discharge, known as leukorrhea, is common during pregnancy due to increased production of estrogen and greater blood flow to the vaginal area. It helps prevent infections and usually does not indicate a problem unless it has a foul odor or is accompanied by itching or irritation.
Choice D rationale
Asymptomatic palpitations are relatively common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and changes in circulation. They usually don't indicate a serious problem unless they're severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
"You will be tested again for GBS at about 36 weeks of gestation.”. This is correct because retesting for GBS at 35-37 weeks of gestation is standard practice to identify colonization status before delivery, which helps in planning intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis.
Choice B rationale
"If you test positive for GBS, the provider will need to perform a cesarean birth.”. This is incorrect because GBS colonization is not an indication for cesarean delivery. The primary intervention is antibiotic administration during labor to prevent neonatal infection.
Choice C rationale
"You will take an antibiotic during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy to avoid transferring GBS to your baby.”. This is incorrect because antibiotics are given intrapartum (during labor) to prevent GBS transmission, not during the last weeks of pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
"This infection can cause your baby to experience hearing loss at birth.”. This is incorrect because GBS infection primarily causes sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in neonates, not hearing loss.