Final answer:
After a cesarean section, additional nursing care includes monitoring for incision infection, managing postoperative pain, assisting with mobility, and overseeing respiratory well-being. Unlike vaginal birth care, which may focus on managing perineal pain, cesarean care also involves monitoring gastrointestinal recovery and educating on incision care.
Step-by-step explanation:
After a cesarean section, a postpartum client requires specialized nursing care that may not be necessary following a vaginal birth. Post-operative care for cesarean delivery includes monitoring for signs of infection at the incision site, managing pain with appropriate medications, and assisting with mobility to prevent blood clots. Additionally, the nurse would oversee respiratory wellbeing due to the potential for pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery.
Since the cesarean birth is major abdominal surgery, there is an increased focus on the mother's recovery from anesthesia, as well as gastrointestinal function, including monitoring for the return of bowel sounds and the passage of flatus. This is to ensure that peristalsis has resumed post-operation; this type of monitoring isn't typically needed after a vaginal delivery. In contrast, after a vaginal birth, the care might focus more on managing perineal pain and monitoring for potential complications associated with episiotomy or perineal tears.
Another aspect of post-cesarean care involves educating the mother on the proper method of caring for her incision to prevent infection and ensuring she is aware of signs that may warrant a call to her healthcare provider. With interventions such as breastfeeding, the nurse can aid in the process of uterine involution and support maternal-neonatal bonding. Breastfeeding can also contribute to the reduction of postpartum hemorrhage risk by promoting uterine contractions.