More questions on this topic
More questions on this topic ( 18 Questions)
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a postpartum client who had a vaginal delivery with an episiotomy.
The client asks, “How can I take care of myself at home?” Which of the following responses should the nurse give?
You should not avoid taking sitz baths until your stitches dissolve. Sitz baths can help reduce the pain, swelling, and bruising around the wound area. However, you should consult your doctor before taking a sitz bath.
You should not change your perineal pad from back to front. This can introduce bacteria into your wound and increase the risk of infection. You should change your perineal pad from front to back and use a squirt bottle filled with warm water to cleanse the area every time you use the bathroom.
This will help you prevent constipation and ease your bowel movements, which can be painful after an episiotomy.
You should not resume sexual intercourse as soon as you feel comfortable. You should wait until your wound is fully healed and your bleeding has stopped, which may take several weeks. You should also use a lubricant and a condom to prevent irritation and infection.
The correct answer is choice C. You should drink plenty of fluids and eat high-fiber foods. This will help you prevent constipation and ease your bowel movements, which can be painful after an episiotomy.
Choice A is wrong because you should not avoid taking sitz baths until your stitches dissolve. Sitz baths can help reduce the pain, swelling, and bruising around the wound area.
However, you should consult your doctor before taking a sitz bath.
Choice B is wrong because you should not change your perineal pad from back to front. This can introduce bacteria into your wound and increase the risk of infection. You should change your perineal pad from front to back and use a squirt bottle filled with warm water to cleanse the area every time you use the bathroom.
Choice D is wrong because you should not resume sexual intercourse as soon as you feel comfortable. You should wait until your wound is fully healed and your bleeding has stopped, which may take several weeks. You should also use a lubricant and a condom to prevent irritation and infection.