Mediolateral Episiotomy in Patient Safety, Preventive & Ethics — Case | Ethics | SMLE Q#1099
SMLE Question #1099
Patient Safety, Preventive & Ethics
Ethics
Last updated: February 2026
A 29-year-old G2P2 woman presents 10 days after vaginal delivery with a mediolateral episiotomy with foul-smelling vaginal discharge and suprapubic discomfort since postpartum day 4. Five days ago, she was given oral antibiotics for presumed urinary tract infection without a pelvic examination or urine testing, and no follow-up plan was documented. Her symptoms persisted, and another clinician performs a pelvic examination and sends urine and a high vaginal swab for culture. What type of medical error best describes the first clinician’s action?
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