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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement is incorrect because Rho(D) immune globulin does not destroy Rh antibodies in a newborn who is Rh-positive. Instead, it acts to prevent the development of Rh antibodies in the mother.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is also incorrect. Rho(D) immune globulin does not destroy Rh antibodies in a woman who is Rh-negative. It is given to Rh-negative women to prevent them from forming Rh antibodies in response to Rh-positive fetal blood during pregnancy.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct choice. Rho(D) immune globulin is given to Rh-negative women to prevent the formation of Rh antibodies. If an Rh-negative woman is exposed to Rh-positive blood (usually during childbirth), her immune system may recognize the Rh antigen as foreign and start producing Rh antibodies. These antibodies could potentially cross the placenta during a subsequent pregnancy and attack the red blood cells of an Rh-positive fetus, causing hemolytic disease in the newborn. Rho(D) immune globulin helps prevent this sensitization process.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is incorrect. Rho(D) immune globulin does not prevent the formation of Rh antibodies in a newborn who is Rh-positive. Its main purpose is to protect Rh-negative women from forming antibodies that could harm future Rh-positive pregnancies.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The priority nursing action after an amniotomy is to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. While evaluating the client for signs of infection is important, it is not the immediate priority. Infection can be a concern after any invasive procedure, but checking the fetal heart rate pattern takes precedence to assess the baby's condition immediately after the amniotomy.
Choice B rationale:
Checking the fetal heart rate pattern is the priority because it helps to monitor the baby's well-being and detect any signs of fetal distress. Amniotomy is the artificial rupture of the amniotic membrane, and it can sometimes lead to changes in the baby's heart rate, which may indicate distress or other complications. Identifying and addressing these changes
promptly is crucial for the baby's safety.
Choice C rationale:
Observing the color and consistency of amniotic fluid is essential to assess for any abnormalities or meconium staining, which could indicate fetal distress or potential issues. However, this action should follow the immediate concern of checking the fetal heart rate pattern since fetal distress takes priority over amniotic fluid characteristics.
Choice D rationale:
Taking the client's temperature is important, but it is not the priority immediately after an amniotomy. Monitoring the client's temperature is a routine nursing action to detect any signs of infection. However, the priority in this situation is to ensure the baby's well-being through fetal heart rate assessment.
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