Maternal NCLEX Practice Questions Related

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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.