Question

Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care immediately after the client's episiotomy repair?

a. Heat lamp treatment
b. Perineal cleansing with povidone iodine
c. Providing ice packs
d. Providing warm sitz bath

Answer 1

Immediately after an episiotomy repair, providing ice packs is the essential intervention for reducing swelling and alleviating pain. Other treatments, like heat lamps or sitz baths, are used later in the recovery process.

Step-by-step explanation:

After an episiotomy repair, it is crucial to adopt the correct interventions to promote healing and alleviate discomfort. The intervention that should be included in the plan of care immediately after the client's episiotomy repair would be providing ice packs. Ice packs help to reduce swelling and provide pain relief.

Heat treatments, such as a heat lamp or warm sitz bath, are typically introduced later in the healing process to aid in further pain relief and healing. Perineal cleansing with povidone iodine is also important, but for immediate care post-repair, the focus is on managing pain and inflammation with ice packs.