Question

A client presents to the clinic with her 3-week-old infant reporting general flu-like symptoms and a painful right breast. Assessment reveals temperature 101°8F (38.8°C) and the right breast nipple with a movable mass that is red and warm. Which instruction should the nurse prioritize for this client?

A. Apply a cold compress to the affected breast.
B. Massage the breast to express milk.
C. Use a breast pump to empty the breast completely.
D. Initiate antibiotic therapy as prescribed.

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize instructing the client to initiate antibiotic therapy as prescribed for symptoms that suggest mastitis. Additionally, breastfeeding or pumping should continue to help clear the infection and maintain milk supply.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client with a 3-week-old infant who has flu-like symptoms and a painful, red, warm breast with a movable mass is likely experiencing mastitis, which is an infection of the breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness, often accompanied by fever. The nurse should prioritize instructing the client to initiate antibiotic therapy as prescribed. Antibiotics are the mainstay treatment for mastitis to resolve the infection. Additionally, the client should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding or pumping to keep the breast empty, which helps clear the infection and maintain milk supply. Warm compresses may also be suggested to help relieve discomfort and improve milk flow. However, the initiation of antibiotic therapy is a critical and urgent step that should be prioritized to quickly address the infection.