A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and is breastfeeding her infant. Which of the following findings indicates mastitis?
Swelling in both breasts
Cracked and bleeding nipples
Increase in breast milk
Red and painful area in one breast
The Correct Answer is D
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.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Expressions of excitement are typical during the dependent, taking-in phase, which lasts for the first 24 to 48 hr after delivery. The client may relive and review her labor and delivery experience, and may need reassurance and validation from others.
Choice B reason:
Lack of appetite is not an expected finding during the dependent, taking-in phase, as the client may have increased hunger and thirst after delivery. The nurse should encourage adequate nutrition and hydration to promote healing and lactation.
Choice C reason:
Eagerness to learn newborn care skills is more characteristic of the dependent-independent, taking-hold phase, which begins around the third day postpartum. During this phase, the client becomes more confident and interested in caring for herself and her newborn.
ChoiceD reason:
Focus on the family unit and its members is more characteristic of the interdependent, letting-go phase, which occurs after the first week postpartum. During this phase, the client redefines her role within the family and society, and integrates the newborn into her life.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Placing the client in a lateral position is the first action the nurse should take, as it can improve maternal and fetal circulation by relieving pressure on the inferior vena cava. The client's blood pressure is low, which can indicate hypotension due to epidural anesthesia or supine hypotension syndrome.
Choice B reason:
Notifying the provider is an important action, as it can facilitate further interventions and monitoring for the client and the fetus. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate problem of hypotension.
Choice C reason:
Increasing IV fluid rate is an important action, as it can expand blood volume and increase blood pressure. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it may not be effective if the client is in a supine position.
Choice D reason:
Elevating the legs is an important action, as it can enhance venous return and increase blood pressure. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it may worsen supine hypotension syndrome by increasing pressure on the inferior vena cava.

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