The postpartum mother with a third degree laceration tells the nurse she is afraid to have a bowel movement because of her painful episiotomy.What should the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stool softeners are available to ease the pain of defecation caused by hemorrhoids and birth trauma.Suppositories or enemas are contraindicated in mothers with third or fourth degree lacerations.Pain medications can often cause constipation.Ambulation may aid in defecation,but will not soften the stool.

The Postpartum Mother with a Third Degree Laceration Tells the Nurse