The nurse instructs a postpartum patient in the use of a sitz bath. Which action by the patient indicates that the teaching was effective?
The patient uses the sitz bath three times a day.
The patient alternates between warm and cool sitz baths.
The patient remains in the sitz bath for up to 60 minutes.
The patient alternates tightening and relaxing her perineal muscles during her sitz bath.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. The patient uses the sitz bath three times a day. This indicates that the patient understands the benefits of sitz baths for postpartum recovery, such as pain relief, increased blood flow, relaxation, cleansing, and itch relief. Sitz baths can be done with warm or cool water, depending on the preference of the patient. However, they should not be done for more than 20 minutes at a time, as this can cause the stitches in the perineal area to fall apart.
Therefore, choice C is wrong. Choice B is also wrong, as there is no evidence that alternating between warm and cool sitz baths has any additional benefits or effects.
Choice D is wrong, as tightening and relaxing the perineal muscles during a sitz bath is not recommended. This can cause more pain and irritation to the area, and interfere with the healing process. The normal ranges for sitz baths are two to four times a day for up to 20 minutes each.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. “Your labor may slow down if you receive an epidural now.” An epidural is a type of regional anesthesia that blocks pain in a specific area of the body.
It can be used to reduce pain during labor and delivery.
However, an epidural can also have some side effects, such as lowering blood pressure, causing fever, and slowing down labor progress.
Therefore, it is usually recommended to wait until the cervix is at least 4 to 5 cm dilated and the contractions are strong and regular before receiving an epidural.
Choice B is wrong because there is no fixed rule about how dilated the cervix needs to be before receiving an epidural.
Some women may receive an epidural earlier or later than others, depending on their pain level, medical history, and preferences.
Choice C is wrong because catheterization is not a prerequisite for receiving an epidural.
Catheterization is the insertion of a tube into the bladder to drain urine.
It may be done after receiving an epidural because the anesthesia can affect the ability to urinate.
However, it is not required before receiving an epidural.
Choice D is wrong because the station of the baby does not determine when a woman can have an epidural.
The station of the baby refers to how far the baby has descended into the pelvis.
It is measured in relation to the ischial spines, which are bony landmarks in the pelvis.
A positive station means that the baby is below the spines, while a negative station means that the baby is above the spines.
Zero station means that the baby is at the level of the spines.
The station of the baby does not affect the administration of an epidural, as long as there are no other complications or contraindications.
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