The practical nurse (PN) views the mid-line episiotomy of a client who reports pain in her stitches. Which action should the PN take first?

A. Initiate daily warm sitz baths during onset of pain: Sitz baths provide comfort and promote healing, but they are not the first action when a client reports pain, as the cause of the pain needs immediate assessment. B. Observe suture line for separation and hematoma formation: The first priority is to assess for complications such as wound dehiscence, infection, or hematoma, which could explain the client’s pain. Identifying these issues promptly guides further interventions and ensures client safety. C. Check medication administration record for last PRN analgesic: Reviewing pain medication timing is important for pain management, but it should follow assessment of the episiotomy to determine whether the pain is from a complication or routine postoperative discomfort. D. Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes to the episiotomy: Ice packs can help reduce pain and swelling, but intervention should occur after assessing the wound to ensure there are no complications requiring immediate action.