41. A home health nurse visits a client 10 days after delivery. The client is breastfeeding her infant. The nurse's assessment includes pain, redness, and swelling of the client's left breast. The nurse suspects that the client has developed mastitis. The nurse's teaching plan for the client with mastitis should include:
. Wearing a tight-fitting bra for good support.
. Stopping breastfeeding permanently.
. Avoiding breastfeeding on the affected side.
. Taking analgesics for pain relief.
Test-Taking Tip
Mastitis treatment is the same as that for engorgement, only more urgent. Consider the same interventions as for engorgement. Eliminate two of the options (Answers 2 and 3) that "stop" or "avoid" breastfeeding.
Content Area: Maternity, Postpartum; Integrated Process: Teaching and Learning; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Alterations in Body Systems
.
Answer 1 is incorrect because a tight-fitting bra can increase pain and blockage of milk ducts. A loose-fitting bra or no bra would relieve the pressure on the affected area. Answer 2 is incorrect because there is no reason to stop breastfeeding and it can actually makes the mastitis worse, leading to an abscess that may need to be surgically drained. Answer 3 is incorrect because not feeding on the affected side would actually make the mastitis worse, leading to an abscess that may need to be surgically drained. Answer 4 is correct because acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen are safe to take while breastfeeding. Unrelieved pain not only decreases the ability to produce milk, but suppresses the body's ability to fight infection.