Question

Case Scenario:

Because of her episiotomy, TA is concerned about her first postdelivery bowel movement. It is explained to her that the docusate with sennosides product in her self-administered medication packet will help.

Questions:

1. TA says that she does not want to take the docusate because she plans to breastfeed. What is the appropriate nursing diagnosis based on TA’s communication?
2. As a nurse how will you address TA’s concerns, based on knowledge of the product and breastfeeding?

(There's no more information)

Answer 1

1) Nursing diagnosis is - Risk for constipation related to perineal discomfort secondary to episiotomy.

2) TA has fear for taking docusate with sennosides product because she thinks it may cause diarrhoea to her baby through breastfeeding, as every medicine taken by the mother during lactation also enters into the baby's body through breastfeeding and affects the baby.

•The nurse has to ensure her that docusate with sennosides will not affect the baby and little quantity is transferred to the baby's body through breastfeeding. So, she doesn't have any problem during breastfeeding if she takes the medicine as per doctor's order.