Maternity Nursing: Intrapartum Q 46

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Perineal care is an important infection control measure. When evaluating a postpartum woman’s perineal care technique, the nurse would recognize the need for further instruction if the woman:

  

     A. Uses soap and warm water to wash the vulva and perineum.

     B. Washes from symphysis pubis back to episiotomy.

     C. Changes her perineal pad every 2 – 3 hours.

     D. Uses the peri bottle to rinse upward into her vagina.

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Uses the peri bottle to rinse upward into her vagina.

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The peri bottle should be used in a backward direction over the perineum. The flow should never be directed upward into the vagina since debris would be forced upward into the uterus through the still-open cervix.

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Option A: Wash the vulva and perineum after every visit to the toilet. The woman may also use just plain warm water to clean the perineum.

Option B: Washing from symphysis pubis to the episiotomy reduces the risk of infection, especially of Group A Streptococcus infection.

Option C: Change sanitary pads frequently to reduce the risk of infection. It is normal to bleed for 2-4 weeks after birth.

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