In some Middle Eastern and African cultures, female genital mutilation (female cutting) is a prerequisite for marriage. Women who now live in North America need care from nurses who are knowledgeable about the procedure and comfortable with the abnormal appearance of their genitalia. When caring for this patient, the nurse can formulate a diagnosis with the understanding that the patient may be at risk for which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Female genital mutilation (FGM) can lead to various short-term and long-term complications, putting the woman at risk for infection (such as urinary tract infections and pelvic infections due to poor healing and scar tissue), hemorrhage (excessive bleeding during or after the procedure or in subsequent sexual encounters), and obstructed labor (due to scarring and narrowing of the birth canal, which can lead to prolonged labor, tears, and even fistula formation). These risks highlight the importance of providing appropriate care, support, and education for women who have undergone FGM.