A nurse is caring for a patient who experienced a 2nd-degree perineal tear during childbirth. Which of the following is the correct description of a 2nd-degree perineal tear?

Question

Question

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AIIMS NORCET 7 Prelims Memory Based Paper 2024

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Involves the vaginal mucosa and muscles of the perineum

Rationale:

A 2nd-degree perineal tear is a type of childbirth injury that affects both the vaginal mucosa and the muscles of the perineum. This type of tear is more extensive than a 1st-degree tear but does not involve the anal sphincter or rectal mucosa.
The perineal muscles are crucial for supporting the pelvic organs and maintaining continence, so a 2nd-degree tear can affect these functions temporarily until healed.

Explanation of Other Options:

Involves the vaginal mucosa only

Rationale: This describes a 1st-degree perineal tear, which is the least severe type. It involves only the vaginal mucosa and does not extend to the perineal muscles.

Involves the vaginal mucosa and perineal skin

Rationale: This description is similar to a 1st-degree tear but with a slight extension to the perineal skin. However, it still does not involve the perineal muscles, which is a distinguishing feature of a 2nd-degree tear.

Involves the vaginal mucosa and anal sphincter

Rationale: This describes a 3rd-degree perineal tear, which is more severe than a 2nd-degree tear. It involves the vaginal mucosa, perineal muscles, and extends to the anal sphincter, but not through the rectal mucosa.

Conclusion:

A clear understanding of the different degrees of perineal tears is crucial for appropriate clinical management and patient education. A 2nd-degree tear involves the vaginal mucosa and muscles of the perineum, making it more serious than a 1st-degree tear but less severe than 3rd or 4th-degree tears, which involve the anal sphincter and rectal mucosa, respectively.