Question

When caring for a patient 4 hours postpartum with a painful third-degree perineal laceration, which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

A) Apply heat packs to the perineum.

B) Encourage the patient to sit for prolonged periods.

C) Administer a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

D) Instruct the patient to perform vigorous perineal exercises.

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize administering a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for a patient 4 hours postpartum with a painful third-degree perineal laceration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should prioritize administering a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) when caring for a patient 4 hours postpartum with a painful third-degree perineal laceration. NSAIDs are effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain, making them a suitable intervention in this scenario.

Applying heat packs to the perineum may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying inflammation and may not be as effective as NSAIDs in managing the pain. Encouraging the patient to sit for prolonged periods can increase discomfort and delay healing. Vigorous perineal exercises are not recommended at this stage, as they can further aggravate the laceration and hinder the healing process.