Maternal NCLEX Related

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Two hours after delivery, the mother tells the nurse that she will be bottle feeding. She asks what she can do to prevent the terrible pain experienced when her milk came in with her last baby. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

  • A. “Once you have recovered from the birth, I will help you bind your breasts.”
  • B. “Engorgement is familial. If you had it with your last baby, it is inevitable.”
  • C. “I can help you put on a supportive bra; wear one constantly for 1 to 2 weeks.”
  • D. “Engorgement occurs right after birth; if you don’t have it yet, it won’t occur.”
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In comparison studies between breast binders and bras, mothers using binders experienced more engorgement and discomfort. Engorgement is not familial and not inevitable in bottle-feeding mothers. Wearing a supportive, well-fitting bra within 6 hours after birth can suppress lactation. The bra should be worn continuously, except for showering, until lactation is suppressed (usually 7 to 14 days). Signs of engorgement usually occur on the third to fifth postpartum day (not right after birth), and engorgement will spontaneously resolve by the tenth day postpartum.