A postpartum patient has a swollen area of purplish discoloration in the perineal area that is 5 cm in diameter. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse use to plan care for this patient?

Question

A) Acute pain
B) Risk for injury
C) Risk for infection
D) Ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion

Answer 1

A
Feedback:
The nursing diagnosis of acute pain would be appropriate because of a collection of blood in traumatized tissue secondary to birth trauma. Risk for injury would be appropriate if the patient was demonstrating signs of postpartum depression or psychosis. Risk for infection would be appropriate if the patient had an elevated temperature. Ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion would be appropriate if the patient was demonstrating signs of thrombophlebitis.