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Perineal wound infection — DRCOG MCQ

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HardPostnatalPerineal wound infectionDRCOG

A 32-year-old woman 5 days after instrumental delivery has worsening perineal pain and malodorous discharge from her episiotomy wound. Temperature is 37.9°C and the wound edges look separated with erythema. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Perineal wound infection with breakdown

Increasing perineal pain, malodorous discharge, erythema and wound-edge separation suggest perineal wound infection with breakdown. Normal healing should not produce worsening pain and offensive discharge. The teaching point is that escalating perineal pain after birth is a red flag requiring examination.

Reference: NICE NG194; RCOG patient guidance on perineal wound breakdown