47. A client, who is gravida 1, para 0, asks a nurse about how to get back into shape after the birth of her child. The nurse instructs the client about a variety of exercises including Kegel exercises. The client asks about the purpose for the Kegel exercises. Which explanation should the nurse give?
. To relieve lower back pain.
. To strengthen the perineal muscles.
. To tone the abdominal muscles.
. To prevent urinary retention.
Test-Taking Tip
Know which muscles Kegel exercises are designed to strengthen. Exercises are designed to tone and strengthen muscles; therefore, eliminate options that do not address muscle toning or strengthening (Answers 1 and 4). Eliminate Answer 3 because it focuses on abdominal, rather than pubococcygeus, muscles.
Content Area: Maternity, Postpartum; Integrated Process: Teaching and Learning; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Health Promotion and Maintenance/Health and Wellness
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Answer 1 is incorrect because Kegel exercises do not target the muscles of the lower back. Doing this exercise would not help lower back pain. Answer 2 is correct because the goal of Kegel exercises is to improve muscle tone by strengthening the pubococcygeus muscles of the pelvic floor. This helps the muscles to regain the strength they had before childbirth. Answer 3 is incorrect because Kegel exercises do not target the muscles of the abdomen. Doing this exercise would not help strengthen those muscles. Answer 4 is incorrect because Kegel exercises can help with urinary incontinence, but performing these exercises does not prevent urinary retention.