A nurse is reinforcing teaching about reducing perineal infection with a client following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A - Blot the perineal area dry after cleansing.
Rationale: Blotting the perineal area dry after cleansing helps prevent moisture accumulation, reducing the risk of perineal infection. Moisture can create a favorable environment for bacterial growth and infection. This practice also helps maintain skin integrity and promotes healing post-vaginal delivery.
Summary of other choices:
B: Cleaning the perineal area from front to back is important to prevent introducing fecal bacteria to the urinary tract but is not directly related to reducing perineal infection.
C: Performing hand hygiene before and after voiding is crucial for infection prevention but does not directly address reducing perineal infection.
D: Washing the perineal area using a squeeze bottle of warm water after each voiding can be beneficial for cleanliness but does not specifically address reducing perineal infection like blotting dry after cleansing does.