Question

"The postpartum unit nurse has provided discharge instructions to a client planning to breast-feed her normal, healthy infant. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the instructions?

1. If I experience any sweating during the night, I should call the health care provider.
2. If I have uterine cramping while breast-feeding, I should contact the health care provider.
3. If I'm still having bloody vaginal drainage in a week, I should contact the health care provider.
4. If I notice any pain, redness, or swelling in my breasts, I should contact the health care provider.

Answer 1

The client's understanding of postpartum breastfeeding instructions is correctly indicated by their awareness that breast pain, redness, or swelling should prompt them to seek medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that indicates the client understands the discharge instructions for breastfeeding is, If I notice any pain, redness, or swelling in my breasts, I should contact the health care provider. This answer aligns with the knowledge that postpartum individuals might experience milk engorgement, redness or swelling in the breasts, which may signify mastitis or another issue that warrants medical attention. Sweating at night and uterine cramping during breastfeeding are normal postpartum responses due to hormonal changes and the release of oxytocin, which stimulates the uterus to contract. Extended bloody vaginal discharge, usually called lochia, can be a typical part of the postpartum recovery process and gradually transitions from heavy red flow to a lighter, whitish discharge in the weeks following delivery. However, if it persists beyond the normal expected timeframe, it can be a sign of a problem such as infection or retained placental fragments and should be checked by a healthcare provider.