Basic Care and ComfortQuestion 2037 of 2368
A client who had an episiotomy is 4 hours postpartum and has perineal swelling and pain. Which intervention should the nurse use?
- Apply an ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes
- Start a warm sitz bath
- Apply a heating pad to the perineum
- Massage the perineum firmly
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Correct answer: Apply an ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes
Ice reduces swelling and pain in the first 24 hours. Warm baths are encouraged after the first 24 hours.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Postpartum Care: PERINEAL AND HEMORRHOID DISCOMFORT. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Basic Care and Comfort"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026