A patient who is still breast-feeding her infant has arrived at the clinic complaining of sore breasts. The physician has diagnosed mastitis. Which of the following statements made by the patient will require correction by the nurse?
A) "They tell me this is usually caused by a Staph infection."
B) "I need to make sure to wash my hands thoroughly before touching my breasts."
C) "I need to stop breast-feeding until all my antibiotics have been taken."
D) "A clogged duct in my breast has become clogged."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast. It most frequently occurs during lactation but also can result from other conditions. In the lactating woman, inflammation results from an ascending infection that travels from the nipple to the ductile structures. The most common organism isolated is Staphylococcus. The offending organism originates from the suckling infant's nasopharynx or the mother's hands. Infection and inflammation cause obstruction of the ductile system. The breast becomes hard and, inflamed. It is advisable for the mother to continue breast-feeding during antibiotic therapy to prevent this.

A Patient Who Is Still Breast-Feeding Her Infant Has Arrived