A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and has an episiotomy.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Instruct the client to apply anesthetic spray to the site three to four times a day.
Encourage the client to change perineal pads at least three times a day.
Assist the client to fill the squeeze bottle with cold water to perform perineal care.
Alternate warm and ice packs to the site every 2 hours for the first 24 hours postpartum.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Instructing the client to apply anesthetic spray to the site three to four times a day is incorrect. While anesthetic sprays can help with pain relief, it's more important to manage swelling and discomfort with a combination of methods, including ice packs and perineal care.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging the client to change perineal pads at least three times a day is insufficient. Pads should be changed more frequently to maintain hygiene and prevent infection.
Choice C rationale
Assisting the client to fill the squeeze bottle with cold water to perform perineal care is incorrect. While perineal care is important, cold water is not typically recommended as it may not provide comfort and might even cause discomfort.
Choice D rationale
Alternating warm and ice packs to the site every 2 hours for the first 24 hours postpartum is correct. This method helps manage pain and swelling effectively, promoting healing and comfort for the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This finding indicates fetal distress. Recurrent variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) can be a sign of umbilical cord compression, which can compromise fetal oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
Uterine contractions every 6 minutes are within the normal range for the latent phase of labor and do not indicate fetal risk.
Choice C rationale
Moderate variability of the FHR is a reassuring sign and suggests that the fetus is well-oxygenated and neurologically intact.
Choice D rationale
Uterine contractions lasting 30 to 45 seconds are typical for the latent phase of labor and do not indicate fetal distress.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Respiratory rate of 10/min is a critical adverse effect, indicating potential respiratory depression due to magnesium sulfate, a serious and life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
Urine output of 160 mL in 4 hours is lower than expected but not immediately life-threatening. It needs monitoring but is not as critical as respiratory rate.
Choice C rationale
Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, can be a side effect of magnesium sulfate but is not life-threatening. It warrants attention but does not require immediate reporting.
Choice D rationale
Nausea is a common, less severe side effect of magnesium sulfate that does not indicate an urgent situation.
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