A mother of a 3-hour-old infant requests information concerning breastfeeding.
The mother has tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).A nurse’s response should be based on which fact?

The correct answer is choice D. Apply petrolatum to the patient’s perineum.This is because petrolatum can help soothe and protect the perineal area, which may be swollen, bruised, or have stitches after a vaginal delivery.Applying petrolatum can also prevent the pad from sticking to the wound and causing more pain.

Choice A is wrong because observing the patient for vaginal discharge of bright red blood is not a specific action for perineal care.Bright red blood may indicate postpartum hemorrhage, which requires immediate medical attention.

Choice B is wrong because assessing the patient’s vaginal tone is not a priority action for perineal care.Vaginal tone may be reduced after childbirth due to stretching of the pelvic floor muscles, but this can improve with time and exercises.

Choice C is wrong because massaging the patient’s perineum is not recommended for perineal care.Massaging the perineum may cause more trauma and discomfort to the area, especially if there are stitches or hemorrhoids.Massaging the fundus (the top of the uterus) may be done to help it contract and prevent bleeding, but this is different from massaging the perineum.

The correct answer is choice C.Adolescents need more protein than older pregnant women because they are still growing themselves and need to support the growth of the baby and the placenta.Protein can be found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals.

Choice A is wrong because adolescents need more supplemental iron than older women, not less.This is because they have lower iron stores due to rapid growth and menstruation.Iron deficiency can cause anemia and increase the risk of infections and bleeding.Iron can be found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals.

Choice B is wrong because adolescents need more carbohydrates than older women, not less.Carbohydrates provide energy for the mother and the baby and spare protein for other functions.Carbohydrates can be found in grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

Choice D is wrong because adolescents need the same amount of vitamin C as older pregnant women, which is 85 milligrams per day.Vitamin C helps with wound healing, collagen formation, iron absorption, and immune function.Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, potatoes, and fortified juices.