A nurse is caring for a client following a forceps-assisted vaginal birth. The client reports severe vaginal pain and fullness. On assessment, the nurse notices a firm, midline uterine fundus. Lochia rubra is light. Which diagnosis should the nurse anticipate?

Question

A nurse is caring for a client following a forceps-assisted vaginal birth.  The client reports severe vaginal pain and fullness.  On assessment, the nurse notices a firm, midline uterine fundus.  Lochia rubra is light.  Which diagnosis should the nurse anticipate?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_cc04_cd99_b433_71ba71fa7368_MD0009_00 A vaginal hematoma is formed when trauma to the tissues of the perineum occurs during delivery. Vaginal hematomas are more likely to occur following a forceps- or vacuum-assisted birth or an episiotomy. The client reports persistent, severe vaginal pain or a feeling of fullness. If the client had epidural anesthesia, pain may not be felt until the effects have worn off. Vaginal bleeding is unchanged. The uterus is firm and at the midline on palpation. If the hematoma is large, the hemoglobin level and vital signs can change significantly. In a client with epidural analgesia, a change in vital signs may be an important indicator of hematoma. (Option A) Cervical lacerations should be suspected if the uterine fundus is firm and midline on palpation despite continued vaginal bleeding. The bleeding can be minimal to frank hemorrhage. Severe pain or a feeling of fullness is not associated with cervical lacerations. (Option B) Complete inversion of the uterus presents with a large, red mass protruding from the introitus. (Option C) Uterine atony presents with a boggy uterus on palpation and an increase in vaginal bleeding. Educational objective: Vaginal hematomas are formed following trauma to the tissues of the perineum during vaginal delivery (eg, vacuum- or forceps-assisted delivery, episiotomy). The client reports severe pain or a persistent feeling of fullness in the region. Assessment shows a firm, midline uterine fundus with minimal or unchanged vaginal bleeding.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Client Following a Forceps-Assisted