Mastitis and Engorgement (10 Questions)

1. Mme Tremblay, 3 weeks postpartum, calls the CLSC (community health clinic) in distress. She is exclusively breastfeeding. She reports, "I feel like I've been hit by a truck. My whole body aches, I have chills, and my temperature is 39.5°C." She also mentions that her right breast is very painful and feels hot to the touch.

Question:
Upon physical assessment, which specific finding would confirm the diagnosis of mastitis rather than simple viral influenza? *
2. Mme Gagnon has been diagnosed with Infective Mastitis of the left breast. The physician has prescribed Dicloxacillin (an antibiotic) and Ibuprofen. Mme Gagnon is crying and says, "I suppose I have to stop breastfeeding now. I don't want the baby to drink infected milk or get the medicine."

Question:
What is the most appropriate nursing response regarding breastfeeding safety? *
3. Mme Leclerc returns to the clinic 48 hours after starting antibiotics for right-sided mastitis. Despite taking the medication and resting, she reports that her fever has persisted and the pain has increased. Upon palpation of the right breast, you feel a distinct, hard, fluctuant mass that is extremely tender.

Question:
What complication does the nurse suspect, and what is the anticipated intervention? *
4. Mme Bedard, 2 weeks postpartum, presents with early signs of mastitis. During the assessment of a breastfeeding session, you notice the infant is latching only onto the nipple, not the areola. Mme Bedard grimaces in pain, and you observe a deep fissure (crack) across the nipple.

Question:
How does the nurse explain the connection between the latch and the infection? *
5. Mme Roy is managing mastitis at home. She is taking her antibiotics but asks what else she can do to relieve the pain and help the infection clear up faster. The medical order allows for "supportive care measures."

Question:
Which intervention should the nurse recommend? *
6. Mme Fortin has just recovered from a bout of mastitis and is terrified of getting it again. She asks, "What can I do to prevent this from coming back?"

Question:
Which instruction is most important for preventing recurrence? *
7. Mme Vachon complains of "shooting, burning pain" that radiates deep into her chest during and after feedings. Her nipples appear shiny, bright pink, and flaky. She does not have a fever or a red wedge on the breast.

Question:
Why is this likely not bacterial mastitis? *
9. Mme Dubé is 4 days postpartum. She calls the nurse stating, "My breasts are huge, hard like rocks, and warm. I have a low fever of 37.6°C. I can't even put my arms down by my sides."

Question:
How should the nurse interpret these findings? *
10. Mme Lavoie, 3 days postpartum, is experiencing severe engorgement. Her areolas are so tense and hard that the nipple has flattened out, and her newborn keeps slipping off and cannot latch.

Question:
What is the specific technique the nurse should teach to enable the baby to latch? *