VB
Vikas Bhardwaj
Medical Technologist, AIIMS New Delhi
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
**Core Concept**
Fourth-degree perineal laceration or episiotomy is a potential complication of vaginal delivery, leading to significant blood loss and hemodynamic instability. This condition requires prompt recognition and management to prevent further complications.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The patient's symptoms, including pallor, tachycardia (PR 110/min), hypotension (BP 90/60), and a drop in hemoglobin (Hb) from 9 gm% to 7 gm%, suggest significant blood loss. The bulge over the episiotomy stitch line on PV examination is indicative of a fourth-degree perineal laceration, which involves the anal sphincter and rectal mucosa. This condition requires immediate surgical repair to control bleeding and prevent further complications.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as it does not address the immediate need for surgical repair of the fourth-degree perineal laceration.
**Option B:** While fluid resuscitation is essential, it does not address the underlying cause of the patient's hemodynamic instability, which is the significant blood loss due to the perineal laceration.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as it does not prioritize the immediate need for surgical repair of the perineal laceration over other potential causes of the patient's symptoms.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In cases of suspected perineal laceration or episiotomy, it is essential to inspect the perineum carefully, both visually and with a PV examination, to identify any underlying complications that may require immediate surgical attention.
**Correct Answer:** C. Repair of the perineal laceration under anesthesia.