The patient requires vacuum extraction assistance. To provide easier access to the fetal head, the physician cuts a mediolateral episiotomy. After delivery, the patient asks the nurse to describe the episiotomy. The nurse responds, "The episiotomy:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A mediolateral episiotomy is cut diagonally away from the vagina towards one of the patient's thighs. It is done to provide more room for the baby's head during delivery. Option A is incorrect because an episiotomy is not cut straight back towards the rectum. Option B is incorrect because an episiotomy is not cut from the vagina towards the urethra. Option D is incorrect because a episiotomy should not extend into the rectum.

The Patient Requires Vacuum Extraction Assistance