In some Middle Eastern and African cultures, female genital mutilation (female cutting) is a prerequisite for marriage. Women who now live in North America need care from nurses who are knowledgeable about the procedure and comfortable with the abnormal appearance of their genitalia. When caring for this patient, the nurse can formulate a diagnosis with the understanding that the patient may be at risk for which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is at risk for infection, laceration, hemorrhage, and obstructed labor. Female genital mutilation, cutting, or circumcision involves removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. The labia majora are often stitched together over the vaginal and urethral openings as part of this practice. Enlargement of the vaginal opening may be performed before or during the birth. The woman is unlikely to give any verbal or nonverbal signs of pain. This lack of response does not indicate lack of pain. In fact, pelvic examinations are likely to be very painful because the introitus is so small, and inelastic scar tissue makes the area especially sensitive. A pediatric speculum may be necessary, and the patient should be made as comfortable as possible.

In Some Middle Eastern and African Cultures, Female Genital Mutilation