A patient had an episiotomy during her delivery. Which nursing action should be included in her plan of care for the first 12 hours?
Have her do Kegel exercises once an hour.
Apply ice to her perineal area.
Keep her hips slightly elevated.
Observe her perineal area for signs of infection.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Apply ice to her perineal area. This is because ice can help reduce swelling and pain in the episiotomy wound, which is a cut made in the tissue between the vagina and anus during childbirth. Ice should be applied for the first 24 to 48 hours after delivery.
Choice A is wrong because Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, are not recommended for the first 12 hours after an episiotomy. They can increase blood flow and inflammation in the area, and may interfere with healing.
Choice C is wrong because keeping her hips slightly elevated can cause pressure on the episiotomy wound and increase discomfort. It can also affect blood circulation and drainage in the area.
Choice D is wrong because observing her perineal area for signs of infection is not a nursing action that should be included in her plan of care for the first 12 hours. Infection is rare in episiotomy wounds, and signs of infection usually appear after 24 hours or later. However, the nurse should teach the patient how to keep the area clean and dry, and when to report any signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or foul-smelling discharge.
Normal ranges for episiotomy healing are:
• Stitches dissolve within 2 to 4 weeks
• Pain and swelling subside within a few days to a week
• Wound heals completely within 4 to 6 weeks
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Maintaining the infants’ airways is the nurse’s priority when caring for a set of twins delivered by cesarean delivery.This is because twins are more likely to be born early and need special care after birth than single babies.They may have breathing difficulties or low oxygen levels and require oxygen therapy or ventilation.
The nurse should assess the infants’ respiratory status and intervene as needed.
Choice B is wrong because keeping the infants in a warm, draft-free environment is important but not as urgent as ensuring their airways are clear and they are breathing well.Premature twins may have trouble regulating their body temperature and need to be kept warm, but this can be done after their airways are secured.
Choice C is wrong because placing identification bands on the infants is a standard procedure but not a priority.
The nurse should make sure the infants are correctly identified and matched with their mother, but this can be done after their vital signs are stable.
Choice D is wrong because monitoring the infants’ vital signs is also important but not as urgent as maintaining their airways.
The nurse should check the infants’ heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and blood sugar levels regularly, but this can be done after their respiratory status is assessed and managed.
Normal ranges for vital signs in newborns are:
• Heart rate: 100 to 160 beats per minute
• Blood pressure: 50 to 75 mm Hg systolic and 30 to 45 mm Hg diastolic
• Temperature: 36.5 to 37.5°C (97.7 to 99.5°F)
• Blood sugar: 40 to 80 mg/dL
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: To prevent her from having convulsions.Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with preeclampsia, a condition of high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy.Magnesium sulfate can lower the cerebral perfusion pressure and prevent convulsions.However, magnesium sulfate does not affect the neonatal outcomes and can cause side effects such as respiratory depression.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not decrease blood pressure.It is used along with medications that help reduce blood pressure.
Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not decrease tidal volume.It can cause respiratory depression if the serum level is too high.
Choice C is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not prevent dehydration.It can cause fluid retention and pulmonary edema if given in excess.
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