A nurse is assessing a client who is 8 hr postpartum and multiparous. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to the client's need to urinate?

Choice A reason: Swelling in both breasts is incorrect, as this finding does not indicate mastitis. Swelling in both breasts can occur due to engorgement, which is a normal and expected phenomenon in the first few days after birth or when milk production increases. Engorgement can cause breast fullness, tenderness, and warmth, but it does not cause infection or inflammation.

Choice B reason: Cracked and bleeding nipples is incorrect, as this finding does not indicate mastitis. Cracked and bleeding nipples can occur due to poor latch, improper positioning, or excessive suction of the baby. Cracked and bleeding nipples can cause pain, discomfort, and risk of infection, but they do not cause mastitis by themselves.

Choice C reason: Increase in breast milk is incorrect, as this finding does not indicate mastitis. Increase in breast milk can occur due to hormonal changes, frequent breastfeeding, or stimulation of the breasts. Increase in breast milk can cause engorgement, but it does not cause infection or inflammation.

Choice D reason: Red and painful area in one breast is correct, as this finding indicates mastitis. Mastitis is an infection and inflammation of the breast tissue that usually affects one breast at a time. Mastitis can cause redness, pain, swelling, warmth, and fever in the affected breast. Mastitis can occur due to blocked milk ducts, bacterial invasion, or poor hygiene. The nurse should advise the client to continue breastfeeding or pumping, apply warm compresses, massage the breast gently, and take antibiotics as prescribed.

Choice A reason: While ice packs can help reduce swelling and discomfort, they are not essential for preventing infection.

Choice B reason: Sit on an inflatable donut to protect the perineum is incorrect, as this can increase pressure and blood flow to the perineum and delay healing. The nurse should advise the client to avoid sitting on hard or uneven surfaces and to use a pillow or a cushion for comfort.

Choice C reason: Perform hand hygiene before and after voiding is correct, as this can prevent contamination and infection of the perineal area. The nurse should instruct the client to wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after using the toilet.

Choice D reason: Blot the perineal area dry after voiding is correct, as this can keep the perineal area clean and dry and prevent irritation and infection. The nurse should instruct the client to use a clean, soft cloth or tissue and gently pat or blot the perineal area from front to back after voiding.

Choice E reason: Clean the perineal area from front to back is correct, as this can prevent bacteria from entering the vagina or urethra and causing infection. The nurse should instruct the client to use a peri-botle filled with warm water and squirt it over the perineal area from front to back after each voiding or bowel movement. The client should also change their perineal pad frequently and dispose of it properly.