Author Question: The perinatal nurse assisting with establishing lactation is aware that acute mastitis can be ... (Read 74 times)

tiffannnnyyyyyy · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

The perinatal nurse assisting with establishing lactation is aware that acute mastitis can be minimized by:

a. Washing the nipples and breasts with mild soap and water once a day.
b. Using proper breastfeeding techniques.
c. Wearing a nipple shield for the first few days of breastfeeding.
d. Wearing a supportive bra 24 hours a day.

Question 2

One of the first symptoms of puerperal infection to assess for in the postpartum woman is:

a. Fatigue continuing for longer than 1 week.
b. Pain with voiding.
c. Profuse vaginal bleeding with ambulation.
d. Temperature of 38 C (100.4 F) or higher on 2 successive days starting 24 hours after birth.

coyin · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Almost all instances of acute mastitis can be avoided by proper breastfeeding technique to prevent cracked nipples. Washing the nipples and breasts daily is no longer indicated. In fact, this can cause tissue dryness and irritation, which can lead to tissue breakdown and infection. Wearing a nipple shield does not prevent mastitis. Wearing a supportive bra 24 hours a day may contribute to mastitis, especially if an underwire bra is worn, because it may put pressure on the upper, outer area of the breast, thus contributing to blocked ducts and mastitis.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Postpartum or puerperal infection is any clinical infection of the genital canal that occurs within 28 days after miscarriage, induced abortion, or childbirth. The definition used in the United States continues to be the presence of a fever of 38 C (100.4 F) or higher on 2 successive days of the first 10 postpartum days, starting 24 hours after birth. Fatigue would be a late finding associated with infection. Pain with voiding may indicate a urinary tract infection, but it is not typically one of the earlier symptoms of infection. Profuse lochia may be associated with endometritis, but it is not the first symptom associated with infection.