A breastfeeding mother calls the obstetrician's office with a complaint of pain in one breast. Upon inspection, a diagnosis of mastitis is made.
Which of the following nursing interventions is appropriate?
Advise the woman to apply ice packs to her breasts.
Encourage the woman to breastfeed frequently.
Inform the woman that she should wean immediately.
Direct the woman to notify her pediatrician as soon as possible.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Applying ice packs can help reduce pain and swelling, but it is not the best intervention for a breastfeeding mother with mastitis. Ice can constrict blood vessels and may hinder milk
flow, which can exacerbate the condition.
Choice B rationale
Frequent breastfeeding helps to empty the affected breast and prevent milk stasis, reducing the risk of abscess formation and promoting faster healing. The mechanical action of
nursing can help clear the infection and provide relief.
Choice C rationale
Weaning immediately is not advised as it can lead to engorgement and milk stasis, worsening the infection. Continuing to breastfeed ensures the breast is regularly emptied, aiding
in recovery.
Choice D rationale
While notifying the pediatrician may be necessary if the baby is affected, it does not directly address the mother's condition or provide immediate relief. Primary management focuses
on treating the infection and maintaining milk flow.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Checking the blood sugar of a gestational diabetic is essential but not immediately life-threatening. Blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly throughout pregnancy for
diabetics to prevent complications. However, this does not represent an urgent priority when compared to the other options, which involve more immediate risks to life and health.
Choice B rationale
Assessing vaginal blood loss in a client recovering from a spontaneous abortion is crucial to monitor for hemorrhage or infection. Heavy bleeding could signal a serious complication
needing immediate intervention, though it is not the most immediate priority over monitoring fetal heart rate during active labor.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring the patellar reflexes of a client with pre-eclampsia without severe features can help in detecting early signs of progressing pre-eclampsia. While important, it is generally
not as critical as ensuring immediate fetal wellbeing, especially if reflexes do not present signs of worsening.
Choice D rationale
Checking the fetal heart rate in a client whose membranes have just ruptured is paramount. Rupture of membranes could lead to immediate complications such as umbilical cord
prolapse, leading to rapid fetal distress. Therefore, verifying fetal heart rate ensures that the fetus is not in immediate danger.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Dexamethasone does not directly stop labor contractions; instead, it is used to enhance fetal lung maturity.
Choice B rationale
Dexamethasone is not for infection prevention; antibiotics are used for that purpose in cases of premature rupture of membranes.
Choice C rationale
Dexamethasone is administered to enhance fetal lung maturity, reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.
Choice D rationale
Dexamethasone is not used for pain relief in preterm labor; other medications are prescribed for pain management.