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Perineal wound infection — DRCOG MCQ

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ModeratePostnatalPerineal wound infectionDRCOG

A 30-year-old woman is 8 days postpartum after a second-degree tear. She has increasing perineal pain, malodorous discharge and wound edge erythema. She is afebrile and clinically stable. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: D — Examine the wound and treat suspected infection with appropriate antibiotics

Worsening perineal pain with erythema and malodorous discharge suggests wound infection and requires examination, analgesia and appropriate antibiotics or referral depending on severity. Pain should usually improve, so worsening symptoms are not expected. Suture removal without assessment may worsen wound breakdown. Cervical screening is unrelated to acute perineal infection.

Reference: NICE NG194; BNF