Question

Three days postpartum, a lactating mother has full, warm, taut, tender breasts. What nursing actions should be taken?

a) Advise the mother to stop breastfeeding
b) Apply cold compresses to the breasts
c) Encourage the mother to pump or breastfeed frequently
d) Recommend wearing tight-fitting bras

Answer 1

The recommended nursing action for a lactating mother with engorgement three days postpartum is to encourage frequent breastfeeding or pumping, and applying cold compresses for relief between feedings.

Step-by-step explanation:

Three days postpartum, a lactating mother with full, warm, taut, tender breasts is likely experiencing a normal condition known as engorgement, when the breasts fill with milk, blood, and other fluids as milk production begins. To alleviate discomfort and facilitate breastfeeding, the recommended nursing actions include: c) Encouraging the mother to pump or breastfeed frequently. Frequent breastfeeding helps to relieve engorgement by removing milk from the breasts, signaling the body to regulate the milk supply. Applying cold compresses to the breasts can also help reduce swelling and provide relief between feedings. Additionally, it is important to inform the mother about proper lactation practices and the importance of latching on techniques to ensure efficient milk transfer and reduce the risk of complications.