After a vaginal birth, a nurse notes perineal pain and must prioritize which action?

In the context of post-vaginal birth care, perineal pain is common and can significantly affect a patient's comfort and recovery. When addressing perineal pain, assisting the client with ambulation to the toilet is crucial for several reasons.

First, mobilizing after childbirth can help stimulate bowel and bladder activity, which is important because many women may experience constipation or difficulty voiding due to pain and the effects of medication. Helping the client ambulate to the toilet can relieve immediate discomfort associated with a full bladder or rectum and facilitate proper elimination.

Additionally, ambulation aids in improving circulation and reducing the risk of thromboembolic events, which is vital after childbirth. It can also promote faster recovery of physical functioning, enhancing the overall postpartum experience for the mother.

While administering pain medication is important, this action might follow the immediate need to address potential complications or discomfort related to inability to toilet. Similarly, assessing vital signs should always be part of a nursing assessment but is not prioritized over addressing the client's immediate needs associated with pain and mobility. Encouraging fluid intake is also beneficial but is secondary to the more immediate need of ensuring the client can relieve herself comfortably.

Overall, prioritizing ambulation not only addresses the perineal pain indirectly by