Your patient is a 33-year-old female who gave birth last week. She complains of constipation, rectal pain, and itching. She reports bright red blood on the toilet tissue. The clinician should recognize the need for:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the symptoms of constipation, rectal pain, itching, and bright red blood on toilet tissue postpartum, a digital rectal exam is the most appropriate initial step to assess for conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures, which are common causes of these symptoms in the postpartum period.

Your Patient Is a 33-Year-Old Female Who Gave Birth Last