The nurse is providing education to a client that is 3 hours postpartum after a vaginal delivery with a second-degree laceration. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the perineal care teaching? (Select all that apply.)
Wash your hands before and after perineal care or voiding.
Leave your current pad on until it is fully saturated.
Wipe the perineum thoroughly with a back-and-forth motion.
Use a perineal squeeze bottle to cleanse the perineum.
Apply ice or cold packs to the perineum.
Correct Answer : A,D,E
Choice A rationale
Washing hands before and after perineal care or voiding is essential to prevent infection. Proper hand hygiene reduces the risk of introducing bacteria to the perineal area, which is particularly vulnerable to infection postpartum.
Choice B rationale
Leaving the current pad on until it is fully saturated is not recommended. Changing pads frequently helps to maintain cleanliness and reduce the risk of infection. A saturated pad can harbor bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
Choice C rationale
Wiping the perineum thoroughly with a back-and-forth motion is not recommended. Instead, the perineum should be wiped from front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria from the rectal area to the perineal area, reducing the risk of infection.
Choice D rationale
Using a perineal squeeze bottle to cleanse the perineum is recommended. It helps to gently clean the area without causing irritation or discomfort. The warm water can also provide soothing relief to the perineal area.
Choice E rationale
Applying ice or cold packs to the perineum can help to reduce swelling and provide pain relief. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and numbing the area to alleviate discomfort.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An increase in lochia is not an indicator of the effectiveness of oxytocin. Lochia is the vaginal discharge after childbirth and its amount can vary.
Choice B rationale
The absence of breast pain is not related to the effectiveness of oxytocin, which is used to prevent postpartum hemorrhage by promoting uterine contractions.
Choice C rationale
An increase in blood pressure is not an expected outcome of oxytocin administration. Oxytocin primarily affects the uterus.
Choice D rationale
A firm fundus to palpation indicates that the uterus is contracting effectively, which is the desired effect of oxytocin administration to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A heart rate of 125 bpm is significantly elevated and may indicate a postpartum complication such as infection, hemorrhage, or other underlying conditions. Tachycardia in the postpartum period warrants further assessment and intervention to identify and address the cause.
Choice B rationale
The fundus being palpable at the umbilicus is normal for 18 hours postpartum. The uterus gradually descends into the pelvis over the postpartum period, and its position at the umbilicus at this stage is expected.
Choice C rationale
A urine output of 3,000 mL in 24 hours is within the normal range for postpartum diuresis. Increased urine output is common as the body eliminates excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
Orthostatic hypotension can occur in the postpartum period due to blood volume changes and fluid shifts. While it requires monitoring, it is not as immediately concerning as tachycardia, which may indicate a more serious complication.