What would be the nurses most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with an episiotomy:

A. Apply a warm compress: Warm compresses are used to relieve muscle tension or promote circulation, but immediately after an episiotomy, warmth can increase swelling and discomfort rather than provide pain relief. B. Apply ice pad or pack: Applying an ice pack to the perineal area immediately postpartum helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and discomfort at the episiotomy site. Cold therapy provides local vasoconstriction, which minimizes edema and offers pain relief during the first 24 hours. C. Vital signs every two hours: Monitoring vital signs is important for detecting systemic complications, but it does not directly address perineal pain, edema, or wound care for an episiotomy. D. Early ambulation: Early ambulation promotes circulation and reduces the risk of thromboembolism, but it should be initiated only after pain is managed and the patient can safely mobilize without exacerbating perineal discomfort.