A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a postpartum client who delivered vaginally 2 days ago. The client asks how to reduce discomfort from perineal swelling at home. Which recommendation is BEST for the nurse to provide?
Take a warm sitz bath for 15 minutes twice daily starting immediately after delivery.
Avoid strenuous activities and use over-the-counter pain medications as needed.
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the perineal area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time during the first 24 to 48 hours.
The correct answer is effective because applying cold therapy, such as an ice pack, helps by reducing blood flow and inflammation, which alleviates pain and swelling in the perineal area. Warm sitz baths, while beneficial later for promoting healing, are not recommended during the first 24 to 48 hours as they increase blood flow and may exacerbate swelling. Avoiding strenuous activities and using over-the-counter pain medications are supportive measures but do not specifically address perineal swelling.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
Why are ice packs recommended for the first 24 to 48 hours after delivery?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the benefits of warm sitz baths, and when should they be used?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are some over-the-counter pain medications that can be used postpartum?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
NCLEX RN
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access