CMSRN Medical-Surgical Nursing

Answer - C - During treatment (total insertion time varies from 48 to 144 hours), vaginal discharge may be foul-smelling due to tissue destruction; however, perineal care is generally not allowed due to the danger of dislodging the needles. A douche given under low pressure following removal of the applicator helps to reduce this side effect of therapy. Bladder atony (Choice A) is a rare complication; diarrhea, rather than constipation (Choice B), is more likely to occur. Sexual libido (Choice D) following this therapy seems more dependent on the relationship of the partners before therapy than on the therapy itself.