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
The correct answer is choice B. Assure the client that the score is within the expected range.
Choice A rationale:
Administering oxygen and notifying the provider is not necessary for a biophysical profile (BPP) score of 10. A score of 10 indicates that the fetus is well-oxygenated and there are no signs of distress.
Choice B rationale:
A BPP score of 10 is considered normal and reassuring, indicating that the fetus is well-oxygenated and there are no signs of distress. Therefore, the nurse should assure the client that the score is within the expected range.
Choice C rationale:
Offering the client orange juice and repeating the assessment in 1 hour is not necessary for a BPP score of 10. This action might be considered if the score were lower and there was a need to reassess fetal well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Assisting the client into a side-lying position is not required for a BPP score of 10. This position is typically recommended to improve uteroplacental blood flow in cases of fetal distress or lower BPP scores.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Visual disturbances should be reported to the provider because the client is experiencing headaches, blurred vision, and dizziness, which can be signs of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can develop during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs like the liver and kidneys. Visual disturbances may indicate neurological involvement and can pose a risk to both the client and the fetus.
Choice B rationale:
Blood pressure should be reported to the provider due to the client's symptoms and medical history. The client's weight gain, swelling of feet and fingers, and 2+ pitting edema suggest fluid retention, which can be associated with preeclampsia. High blood pressure is a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia, and the nurse must monitor it closely to assess the severity of the condition and the potential risk to both the client and the fetus.
Choice C rationale:
Respirations do not appear to be a significant concern based on the information provided. While respiratory status is important to monitor during pregnancy, there are no indications in the scenario to suggest respiratory distress or abnormalities that require immediate reporting to the provider.
Choice D rationale:
Deep tendon reflexes are mentioned in the client's medical history but do not show any immediate signs of concern. Absent clonus and 3+ deep tendon reflexes are within the normal range and not typically alarming during pregnancy. However, the nurse should continue to monitor these reflexes during subsequent visits.
Choice E rationale:
Weight gain is mentioned in the medical history but is not currently a critical finding to report. A 6 lb weight gain over 2 weeks may be considered appropriate for a pregnant client at 32 weeks of gestation, but it should be assessed in conjunction with other symptoms for a comprehensive evaluation.
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