Question

A 29-year-old primiparous patient has a 3-week-old infant whom she is breastfeeding. The woman has sought care because of recent breast tenderness, redness, and fever. Which of the following teaching points should the nurse prioritize when following up her care?

A. Encourage patient to continue breastfeeding her infant.
B. Refer patient for a mammogram as quickly as possible.
C. Ensure patient adheres to her prescribed antibiotic regimen.
D. Teach patient to use warm compresses and educate her about self-limiting nature of illness.

Answer 1

When assisting a breastfeeding patient with mastitis symptoms, it is critical to encourage continued breastfeeding, ensure adherence to antibiotics, and counsel on using warm compresses. These measures help manage the infection and maintain breastfeeding, negating immediate need for a mammogram unless symptoms persist or worsen.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 29-year-old primiparous patient exhibiting symptoms such as breast tenderness, redness, and fever while breastfeeding is likely experiencing mastitis. Given these symptoms, the nurse should prioritize the following teaching points:

• Encourage the patient to continue breastfeeding her infant, as it can help clear any blockages from the milk ducts and maintain milk production.
• Ensure the patient adheres to her prescribed antibiotic regimen to effectively treat the infection, and to prevent further complications.
• Teach the patient to use warm compresses to alleviate discomfort and educate her about the self-limiting nature of the illness, as symptoms often improve with appropriate treatment.

While refraining from immediately referring the patient for a mammogram, it is important to monitor her progress and reassess if symptoms do not improve or worsen. Following these recommendations can facilitate healing and optimize the breastfeeding experience for both the mother and the infant.