A nurse is reinforcing teaching about home safety with the parent of an 8-month-old infant. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

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. Compare the result with the baseline reading

Rationale:

A. Check the client's heart rate on the oximeter:
Although checking the heart rate may provide context for assessing the client's overall status, it does not address the primary concern of the low oxygen saturation. Understanding the client's baseline saturation level takes priority to guide further actions effectively.

B. Compare the result with the baseline reading:
Comparing the reading with the client's baseline is essential. For clients with chronic respiratory conditions, baseline oxygen levels may naturally be lower. Identifying if this 88% saturation is typical or unusual for the client helps determine the need for further intervention or adjustment.

C. Decrease the amount of oxygen administered:
Reducing oxygen flow when the saturation is low is contraindicated, as it could worsen hypoxia. Instead, increasing oxygen may be warranted if the reading remains below the baseline after further assessment.

D. Perform another reading while the client ambulates:
Repeating the reading during ambulation may worsen hypoxia and is not ideal without understanding baseline oxygenation at rest. Re-evaluation at rest or in a different position may be more appropriate for accurate assessment.