Question

After a vaginal delivery, a postpartum client complains of perineal discomfort when sitting. To promote comfort, the nurse should provide which instruction?

a) Apply ice packs to the perineum
b) Perform Kegel exercises regularly
c) Use a donut-shaped cushion when sitting
d) Administer analgesic medication as prescribed

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the postpartum client to apply ice packs to the perineum to reduce swelling and alleviate pain after a vaginal delivery.

Step-by-step explanation:

To promote comfort after a vaginal delivery when a postpartum client complains of perineal discomfort when sitting, the nurse should provide the following instruction: 'Apply ice packs to the perineum.' The ice packs help to reduce swelling and numb the area, providing relief from pain. While other measures such as performing Kegel exercises, using a donut-shaped cushion, and administering analgesic medication as prescribed can also be helpful, the direct application of cold is typically advised in the immediate postpartum period for alleviating perineal pain.