The nurse is educating a new postpartum woman about peri-care. Which action by the client indicates understanding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because washing hands before and after performing peri-care is essential to prevent the spread of infections. Before touching the perineal area, proper hand hygiene reduces the risk of introducing harmful bacteria. After caring for the perineum, washing hands again prevents transferring any bacteria to other parts of the body. This demonstrates understanding of infection prevention.
Choice A is incorrect because applying the peri-pad from back to front can introduce bacteria from the rectal area to the vaginal area, increasing the risk of infection.
Choice B is incorrect because the frequency of performing peri-care depends on individual needs and hygiene practices, so stating a fixed number of times is not indicative of understanding.
Choice D is incorrect because mixing tap water and hydrogen peroxide in the peri-bottle is not a recommended practice for peri-care and may cause irritation or disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal flora.