When reviewing the medical record of a postpartum client, the nurse notes that the client has experienced a third-degree laceration. The nurse understands that the laceration extends to which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A third-degree laceration extends through the anal sphincter muscle. This type of laceration is more severe than first or second-degree lacerations, which involve only the skin and perineal muscles, respectively, but does not extend through the anterior rectal wall as a fourth-degree laceration would.

When Reviewing the Medical Record of a Postpartum Client, the Nurse