A nurse is caring for a client who had a vaginal delivery 4 hr ago and reports perineal pain of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Offer an ice pack to the client during the first 24 hr.
Apply a corticosteroid cream to the perineal area twice daily.
Increase the client's fluid intake for 48 hr.
Catheterize the client's bladder.
The Correct Answer is A
(a) Offer an ice pack to the client during the first 24 hr.
Offering an ice pack is an appropriate intervention for managing perineal pain and swelling in the immediate postpartum period. Ice helps to reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing pain relief. This is a standard recommendation for managing perineal pain after vaginal delivery.
(b) Apply a corticosteroid cream to the perineal area twice daily.
Applying a corticosteroid cream is not typically recommended for perineal pain immediately after delivery. These creams are generally used for inflammatory skin conditions and not for the acute management of perineal pain and swelling after childbirth.
(c) Increase the client's fluid intake for 48 hr.
While maintaining adequate hydration is important for overall recovery, increasing fluid intake specifically does not address the client's perineal pain. This intervention would not provide immediate pain relief for the perineal area.
(d) Catheterize the client's bladder.
Catheterizing the bladder is not a standard intervention for perineal pain. It is typically done if the client has urinary retention or difficulty voiding, not for managing pain. This action would not directly alleviate the perineal pain the client is experiencing.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
(a) "I will need to start chemotherapy immediately."
Chemotherapy is not typically the first line of treatment for a molar pregnancy unless there is evidence of persistent gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) or choriocarcinoma, which requires further evaluation and monitoring before making such a decision. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the typical course of treatment after a molar pregnancy.
(b) "I will need to attend a support group when I get home."
Attending a support group can provide emotional support and coping strategies for individuals recovering from a molar pregnancy. It reflects an understanding of the importance of psychosocial support during recovery.
(c) "I will need an amniocentesis within 1 month."
Amniocentesis is not a routine follow-up procedure for a molar pregnancy. Follow-up typically includes serial measurements of hCG levels to ensure they return to normal and remain stable, which helps in monitoring for potential malignancy. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the follow-up care required after a molar pregnancy.
(d) "I will need home palliative services after I am discharged from the hospital."
Home palliative services are generally not needed for patients recovering from a molar pregnancy, as the condition does not usually necessitate end-of-life care. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the recovery process and the type of care required after a molar pregnancy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
(A) Reposition the newborn every 2 to 3 hr:
Repositioning the newborn every 2 to 3 hours helps ensure uniform exposure to the phototherapy lights, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment. This prevents uneven distribution of light and reduces the risk of pressure ulcers or skin breakdown from prolonged immobility.
(B) Monitor the newborn's blood glucose level every 2 hr:
Monitoring the newborn's blood glucose level every 2 hours is not directly related to phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia. While monitoring blood glucose levels may be necessary for certain newborns, especially those at risk for hypoglycemia, it is not a routine intervention during phototherapy.
(C) Give the newborn 30 ml of distilled water after each feeding:
Giving the newborn distilled water after each feeding is not indicated during phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia. Breast milk or formula is sufficient for hydration, and providing additional water can interfere with adequate feeding and potentially lead to electrolyte imbalances.
(D) Apply a water-based ointment to the newborn's skin every 4 to 6 hr:
Applying a water-based ointment to the newborn's skin is not typically recommended during phototherapy. Ointments can create a barrier on the skin, reducing the effectiveness of the phototherapy treatment by blocking light absorption.
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