The client, who had a vaginal delivery 18 hours ago, asks the nurse how she should take care of her perineal laceration. Which statements by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.
- A. “You should change your peripad at least twice each day.”
- B. “Once home, use a warm sitz bath to sooth your perineum.”
- C. “Keep your perineum warm and dry until stitches are removed.”
- D. “Use your peri-bottle to apply water to the perineum after each void.”
- E. “Wash your perineum with mild soap at least once each 24 hours.”
- F. “Check your perineum for foul odor or increased redness, heat, or pain.”
Correct Answer: B,D,E,F
Rationale: The peripad should be changed more frequently to reduce the risk of infection. Lochia amount should never exceed a moderate amount (less than a 6-inch stain on a perineal pad). A warm sitz bath is used after the first 24 hours to provide comfort, increase circulation to the area, and reduce the incidence of infection. Perineal lacerations are repaired with sutures that dissolve. Clients do not need to have perineal sutures removed. Cleansing the perineum after each void with the peri-bottle of water provides comfort and helps reduce the chance of infection. Washing with mild soap and rinsing with water each 24 hours reduces the risk of infection. Teaching the client to watch for signs and symptoms of infection is important and allows the client to be an active participant in her care.
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The nurse includes which topic in the prenatal education plan for a first-time mother?
- A. Breastfeeding techniques
- B. Advanced labor pain management
- C. Neonatal surgical procedures
- D. Postpartum weight loss strategies
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Breastfeeding techniques are essential for a first-time mother to ensure successful feeding and bonding with the newborn.
The postpartum client is being discharged to home with a streptococcal puerperal infection. The client is taking antibiotics but asks the nurse what precautions she should take at home to prevent spreading the infection to her husband, newborn, and toddler. Which is the best response by the nurse?
- A. “No precautions are necessary since you are taking antibiotics.”
- B. “You should always wear a mask when caring for your newborn and toddler.”
- C. “Wash your hands before caring for your children and after toileting and perineal care.”
- D. “Your husband should provide all cares for both children until your infection is gone.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The course of an endometrial infection is approximately 7 to 10 days, and thus standard precautions should be in place for that period of time even if the client has started antibiotics. Puerperal infections are not spread by droplets, and thus a mask is not necessary. Other than hand hygiene, no additional precautions need to be taken by the client in her home. The client is able to provide cares for her children, but hand washing is required before cares.
The client has been in labor for 21 hours. Induction was started 16 hours ago, and she is now dilated 5 cm. She has made little progress, and there has been no fetal descent. The HCP identifies cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD). The nurse should prepare the client for which mode of delivery?
- A. Traditional vaginal delivery
- B. Forceps-assisted delivery
- C. Vacuum-assisted delivery
- D. Cesarean section delivery
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A fetus diagnosed with CPD is unable to be delivered vaginally and requires a cesarean section birth. A vaginal delivery is contraindicated once CPD has been identified due to the risk of fetal and maternal trauma. Forceps delivery is contraindicated once CPD has been identified due to the risk of fetal and maternal trauma. Vacuum delivery is contraindicated once CPD has been identified due to the risk of fetal and maternal trauma.
Which condition increases the risk of congenital anomalies in the fetus?
- A. Maternal diabetes
- B. Mild anemia
- C. Normal weight gain
- D. Regular exercise
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Maternal diabetes, if poorly controlled, increases the risk of congenital anomalies due to elevated blood glucose levels.
The nurse uses which tool to measure fundal height?
- A. Tape measure
- B. Doppler device
- C. Ultrasound machine
- D. Blood pressure cuff
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A tape measure is used to measure fundal height, assessing uterine growth and fetal development.