Question

A client arrives at the clinic with swollen, tender breasts and flulike symptoms. a diagnosis of mastitis is made. what does the nurse plan to do?

Answer 1

1 Help her wean the infant gradually.
2 Teach her to empty her breasts frequently.
3 Review breastfeeding techniques with her.
4 Send a sample of her milk to the laboratory for testing.
Teach her to empty her breasts frequently.

Emptying the breasts limits engorgement because engorgement causes pressure and tenderness in an already tender area. Breastfeeding should be continued; it is not only unnecessary but also unwise to remove the infant from breastfeeding. Suckling keeps the breasts empty, limits engorgement, and reduces pain. Learning is difficult when the client is in pain; this may be done eventually, after the client has some relief from pain. The milk culture may be negative because the infection may be limited to the connective tissue of the breast.

Answer 2

Inflammation of breast tissue in the presence or absence of infection is known as mastitis. This generally takes place in lactating women because of plugged milk ducts. It may be diagnosed as an inflamed, red, firm region on the breast, which is painful.

The following are the nursing plan for mastitis:

1. Evaluate vital signs for systemic infection, as it may not be an outcome of infection, and monitor for fever.

2. Assess for swelling, erythema, and tenderness in breasts.

3. Make the patient drink ample quantity of water, and apply warm compresses prior to breastfeeding.

4. Provide lactation education and examine patient breastfeeding.

5. Provide medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen in order to reduce pain, fever, and swelling.