A nurse is establishing a baseline postoperative assessment for a client who is recovering from a right femoropopliteal bypass graft. Which of the following findings in the assessment of the client's right leg should be of the most concern to the nurse?

Answer: C. Change the perineal pad with each void.

Rationale:

A) Cleanse the perineal area from back to front: Cleansing from back to front is not recommended as it increases the risk of introducing bacteria from the anal area to the perineal wound, potentially leading to infection. The correct technique is front-to-back cleansing to prevent contamination.

B) Wash the perineal area with povidone-iodine twice daily: Povidone-iodine is not typically recommended for regular perineal care postpartum, as it can disrupt normal flora and potentially irritate the healing tissues. Using warm water and mild soap is safer for cleansing the area.

C) Change the perineal pad with each void: Changing the perineal pad with each void helps maintain cleanliness and reduces moisture in the perineal area, decreasing the risk of infection and promoting comfort during the healing process of an episiotomy.

D) Wipe the perineal area with a soft cloth: Wiping the area can disrupt the stitches and may cause discomfort. Instead, clients are usually advised to gently pat dry or use a squirt bottle to cleanse, which reduces pressure on the healing tissue.

Answer: B. Stiff posture

Rationale:
A. Lip-smacking : Lip-smacking is not typically an indication of pain in newborns. It may be associated with hunger or neurological responses, but it does not directly indicate discomfort or pain caused by shoulder dystocia or other injuries.
B. Stiff posture : A stiff posture can indicate pain in newborns, as they often exhibit hypertonicity or rigidity when experiencing discomfort. This response is a protective mechanism and may suggest the newborn is reacting to pain from potential nerve or tissue damage caused by shoulder dystocia.
C. Weak cry : While a weak cry may indicate neurological or respiratory distress, it is not a specific sign of pain. In the context of shoulder dystocia, a weak cry could reflect complications such as brachial plexus injury but does not directly signify the presence of pain.
D. Tongue-darting : Tongue-darting is more commonly associated with neurological issues or feeding difficulties rather than pain. It is not a typical behavioral response to discomfort or injury in newborns experiencing complications like shoulder dystocia.