Free NCLEX Maternity Questions Related

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The client with mastitis asks the nurse if she should stop breastfeeding because she has developed a breast infection. Which response by the nurse is best?

  • A. “Continuing to breastfeed will decrease the duration of your symptoms.”
  • B. “Breastfeeding should only be continued if your symptoms decrease.”
  • C. “Stop feeding for 24 hours until antibiotic therapy begins to take effect.”
  • D. “It is best to stop breastfeeding because the infant may become infected.”
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Continuing to breastfeed is recommended when the client has mastitis. If the breasts continue to be emptied by either breastfeeding or pumping, the duration of symptoms and the incidence of a breast abscess are decreased. Continuing to breastfeed will decrease the symptoms of mastitis; there is no need to wait for symptoms to decrease. Usually an oral penicillinase-resistant penicillin or cephalosporin that is safe for the infant while breastfeeding is given to treat mastitis. There is no need for the client to stop breastfeeding for 24 hours. The infant’s nose and throat are the most common sources of the organism that causes mastitis. Infants of women with mastitis generally remain well; thus, concern that the mother will infect the infant if she continues breastfeeding is unwarranted.