A nurse is caring for a client who has unrelieved episiotomy pain 8 hr following delivery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place a soft pillow under the client's buttocks.
Apply an ice pack to the perineum.
Position a heating lamp toward the episiotomy.
Prepare a warm sitz bath.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B: Apply an ice pack to the perineum. This is the recommended action for unrelieved episiotomy pain within the first 24 hours following delivery, as it helps reduce swelling and provide pain relief.
Choice A rationale:
Placing a soft pillow under the client’s buttocks may provide comfort, but it does not directly address the inflammation and pain associated with an episiotomy. It is not the primary intervention for unrelieved episiotomy pain shortly after delivery.
Choice B rationale:
Applying an ice pack to the perineum is a standard practice for reducing pain and swelling after an episiotomy. The cold temperature causes vasoconstriction, which can help to decrease swelling and provide pain relief. This is especially effective within the first 24 hours post-delivery.
Choice C rationale:
Positioning a heating lamp toward the episiotomy is not recommended immediately following the procedure, as heat can increase blood flow to the area, potentially worsening swelling and pain in the acute phase after the surgery.
Choice D rationale:
While a warm sitz bath may be beneficial for episiotomy pain relief, it is typically recommended after the initial 24-hour period post-delivery. In the first 24 hours, cold therapy is preferred to reduce acute inflammation and pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fetal head compression is unlikely to cause variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. During contractions and labor, the fetal head may experience pressure, but this usually leads to early decelerations, not variable decelerations. Early decelerations are considered benign and are caused by the head's pressure stimulating the vagus nerve, resulting in a temporary decrease in heart rate.
Choice B rationale:
Umbilical cord compression is a known cause of variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. When the umbilical cord is compressed, it can temporarily disrupt blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus, leading to decelerations. Variable decelerations often appear as abrupt, sharp drops in the fetal heart rate and are typically characterized by their unpredictable
nature.
Choice C rationale:
Maternal opioid administration is not a direct cause of variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. While opioids can cross the placenta and may affect the fetus, they are more likely to cause other issues, such as respiratory depression in the newborn, rather than variable decelerations.
Choice D rationale:
Uteroplacental insufficiency is not the primary factor causing variable decelerations. Uteroplacental insufficiency refers to an inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the placenta, which can lead to late decelerations in the fetal heart rate, not variable decelerations.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Step 1 is assessing heart rate. A heart rate of 130/min earns 2 points since a rate above 100/min is optimal.
Step 2 is assessing respiratory effort. A lusty cry earns 2 points as strong crying indicates good respiratory function.
Step 3 is assessing muscle tone. Flexed extremities earn 1 point since full active movement would score 2.
Step 4 is assessing reflex irritability. Grimace when suctioned earns 1 point as a vigorous response (cough, sneeze) would score 2.
Step 5 is assessing color. Acrocyanosis earns 1 point since a fully pink body scores 2.
Final answer: 7
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