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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
(A) "White blood cell count is an indicator of anemia.”
White blood cell count is not directly related to anemia. Anemia is typically assessed by hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, which reflect the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. White blood cell count measures immune system function and can indicate infection or inflammation rather than anemia.
(B) "Urine specific gravity identifies my risk for pregnancy induced hypertension.”
Urine specific gravity is a measure of urine concentration and hydration status, and it is not typically used to identify the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (preeclampsia). Preeclampsia is diagnosed based on symptoms such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and proteinuria (protein in the urine), along with other criteria.
(C) "Platelet count identifies if I am at risk for bleeding.”
Platelet count is a laboratory test that measures the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are essential for blood clotting, so a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can indicate an increased risk of bleeding, which is pertinent to pregnancy, especially in cases of conditions like gestational thrombocytopenia or preeclampsia.
(D) "Sedimentation rate checks for signs of cancer.”
The sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) is a nonspecific test that measures inflammation in the body, but it is not used to check for signs of cancer specifically. Elevated sedimentation rate can indicate various inflammatory conditions such as infection, autoimmune diseases, or chronic inflammatory disorders. It is not a primary test for cancer diagnosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
(A) Apply elastic stockings before the client gets out of bed:
While elastic stockings can help prevent thrombophlebitis by promoting venous return and reducing the risk of blood pooling in the legs, applying them before the client gets out of bed may not be as effective as ambulation in preventing stasis and clot formation.
(B) Have the client ambulate as often as possible:
Ambulation helps prevent thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein with clot formation) by promoting blood circulation in the lower extremities. Moving the legs and walking encourage the calf muscles to contract, which aids in pushing blood back towards the heart, reducing the risk of blood stasis and clot formation.
(C) Apply warm, moist packs to the client's lower legs:
Applying warm, moist packs to the lower legs may provide comfort and relaxation, but it is not a primary measure for preventing thrombophlebitis. In fact, warm compresses may dilate blood vessels and potentially increase the risk of thrombosis in some cases.
(D) Administer NSAIDs every 4 to 6 hr:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not typically used for preventing thrombophlebitis. While NSAIDs can help manage pain and inflammation, they do not directly address the underlying mechanisms of thrombus formation or prevent blood stasis. Additionally, frequent administration of NSAIDs may carry risks of gastrointestinal bleeding and renal complications.
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