Question

A client calls the clinic and reports a fever, fatigue, and has a hard reddened area in one breast. The client is breastfeeding. Which condition does the nurse understand that this client is most likely experiencing?

A. Mastitis
B. Breast abscess
C. Breast engorgement
D. Ductal ectasia

Answer 1

A client experiencing a fever, fatigue, and a hard reddened area in one breast while breastfeeding is most likely experiencing mastitis, which is an infection of the breast tissue. Mastitis can cause symptoms such as breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mastitis

A client experiencing a fever, fatigue, and a hard reddened area in one breast while breastfeeding is most likely experiencing mastitis. Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that occurs primarily in breastfeeding women. It can be caused by a blocked milk duct or bacteria entering the breast through a cracked nipple.

Mastitis can cause symptoms such as breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. It is important for the client to seek medical attention and receive appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics and measures to relieve breast engorgement.

References:

1. Ackley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B. F., Martinez-Kratz, M., & Zanotti, M. (2019). Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An Evidence-Based Guide to Planning Care (12th ed.). Elsevier.
2. Smeltzer, S. C., Bare, B. G., Hinkle, J. L., & Cheever, K. H. (2019).Brunner & Suddarth's textbook of medical-surgical nursing (14th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.