17. A client, who is a gravida 1, para 0, delivers a 9-pound, 8-ounce baby using vacuum extraction after a 2-hour second stage of labor. The client has a fourth-degree laceration. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to this client?
Test-Taking Tip
Two of the medications are used for postpartum hemorrhage, not for treating fourth-degree lacerations. Eliminate those options because both drugs have similar uses, and therefore cannot be the correct answer.
Content Area: Maternity, Postpartum; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care and Comfort/Elimination
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Answer 1 is incorrect because rectal medications should be avoided when the client has a fourth-degree laceration. Answer 2 is correct because having a bowel movement can be painful after a fourth-degree laceration. Docusate sodium is a stool softener that can make the bowel movements less painful. Answer 3 is incorrect because methylergonovine maleate is a drug used for controlling postpartum hemorrhage, and has nothing to do with fourth-degree lacerations. Answer 4 is incorrect because carboprost tromethamine is a drug used for controlling postpartum hemorrhage, and has nothing to do with fourth-degree lacerations.
