Complication Postpartum Related

Review Complication Postpartum related questions and content

A breastfeeding patient who is 5 weeks postpartum calls the clinic and reports that she is achy all over, has a temperature of 100.2°F, and has pain and tenderness in her right breast. What is the nurse’s best response?

  • A. You need to come to the clinic to be evaluated, as your symptoms indicate a possible breast infection.
  • B. You are having normal signs of engorgement with breastfeeding. More frequent breastfeeding will relieve your symptoms.
  • C. Please stop breastfeeding until you can come to see the clinic provider, as you may have a breast infection.
  • D. You may be experiencing sleep deprivation, which can make you feel achy and sore. Try to sleep when the newborn sleeps.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient's symptoms of achiness, fever, and pain in the breast are indicative of mastitis, a common breast infection in breastfeeding women. Prompt evaluation and treatment are necessary to prevent complications.

Choice B is incorrect as engorgement typically occurs in the first few days postpartum, not at 5 weeks.

Choice C is incorrect because stopping breastfeeding can worsen the infection and affect milk production.

Choice D is incorrect as the symptoms described are more likely due to an infection rather than just sleep deprivation.