A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 3 days postpartum and is breastfeeding.Her fundus is three fingerbreadths below the umbilicus, and her lochia rubra is moderate.Her breasts feel hard and warm.Which of the following recommendations should the nurse give the client?
Obtain a prescription for an antibiotic.
Express milk from both breasts.
Wear a nipple shield.
Apply a heating pad to her breasts.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Obtaining a prescription for an antibiotic is not the first recommendation for a client who is 3 days postpartum and breastfeeding with hard and warm breasts. Antibiotics are typically prescribed if there is a confirmed infection, such as mastitis, which is characterized by symptoms like fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. In this case, the client is experiencing normal postpartum breast engorgement, which does not require antibiotics.
Choice B rationale
Expressing milk from both breasts is the correct recommendation. Breast engorgement is common in the early postpartum period as the milk comes in. Expressing milk, either by breastfeeding frequently or using a breast pump, helps to relieve the fullness, reduce discomfort, and maintain milk production.
Choice C rationale
Wearing a nipple shield is not recommended for breast engorgement. Nipple shields are typically used for issues like latch difficulties or sore nipples, not for relieving engorgement. Using a nipple shield without proper guidance can potentially interfere with milk transfer and breastfeeding success.
Choice D rationale
Applying a heating pad to the breasts is not recommended for engorgement. Heat can increase blood flow and exacerbate swelling. Instead, cold compresses or cold cabbage leaves are often recommended to reduce swelling and discomfort associated with engorgement.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Massaging the area is not recommended as it can dislodge a clot and cause it to travel to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism. This can be life-threatening and should be avoided.
Choice B rationale
Elevating the leg helps to reduce swelling and pain by promoting venous return. This is a standard intervention for managing symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and helps prevent further complications.
Choice C rationale
Applying cold compresses is not effective for DVT. Cold compresses are generally used to reduce inflammation and pain in acute injuries, but they do not address the underlying issue of a blood clot.
Choice D rationale
Flexing the knee while resting can increase the risk of clot dislodgement and is not recommended. Keeping the leg straight and elevated is a safer approach to managing DVT symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Completely emptying each breast at each feeding or using a pump helps prevent milk stasis, which can lead to mastitis. Ensuring the breasts are fully emptied reduces the risk of blocked ducts and infection.
Choice B rationale
Nursing on only the unaffected breast can lead to engorgement and worsening of mastitis in the affected breast. It is important to continue breastfeeding on both sides to maintain milk flow and prevent complications.
Choice C rationale
Wearing a tight-fitting bra can restrict milk flow and exacerbate mastitis. A well-fitting, supportive bra is recommended to avoid further complications.
Choice D rationale
Limiting the time the infant nurses on each breast can lead to incomplete emptying and increase the risk of mastitis. It is important to ensure the breasts are fully emptied to prevent infection.