Question

A nurse visits a client at home who delivered a healthy newborn 2 days ago. The client is complaining of breast discomfort. The nurse notes that the client is experiencing breast engorgement. Which instructions should the nurse provide to the client regarding relief of the engorgement? Select all that apply.

1. Wear a supportive bra between feedings.
2. Avoid breast-feeding during the time of breast engorgement.
3. Feed the infant at least every 2 hours for 15 to 20 minutes on each side.
4. Apply moist heat to both breasts for about 20 minutes before a feeding.
5. Massage the breasts gently during a feeding, from the outer areas to the nipples.

Answer 1

To relieve breast engorgement, a nurse should advise wearing a supportive bra, feeding the infant every
`2 hours`, applying moist heat before feedings, and gently massaging the breasts during feedings. It's crucial to continue breastfeeding regularly to manage milk supply and alleviate engorgement discomfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse visits a client at home who delivered a healthy newborn
`2 days` ago. The client is experiencing breast engorgement and is seeking relief. In this case, the nurse should provide the following instructions for relief of the engorgement:

• Wear a supportive bra between feedings to help reduce discomfort and provide support.
• Feed the infant at least every
  `2 hours` for
  `15 to 20 minutes` on each side to keep the milk flowing and to prevent further engorgement.
• Apply moist heat to both breasts for about
  `20 minutes` before a feeding to help the milk flow more freely, easing engorgement.
• Massage the breasts gently during a feeding, from the outer areas to the nipples, to express milk and alleviate engorgement.

The nurse should advise against avoiding breastfeeding during engorgement as it is essential to remove milk from the breasts to provide relief and maintain milk production. This issue can occur in the initial weeks of breastfeeding as the body is still adjusting to the milk supply and demand balance established with the infant. A sudden stop in breastfeeding can lead to a milk supply adjustment period similar to when lactation first begins.