John Xhielwein G.

Gutierez BSN 2D 3/12/23

Critical Thinking Exercise: Mastitis

Situation: Two weeks after giving birth, a woman calls the care provider's office because, she

says, "Something is wrong with my breast". Upon further questioning, she says that she has a

hot, hard, sore spot "about the size of a lemon" on her left breast, She says that she has been

having chills and a headache.

1. Why should the nurse suspect mastitis instead of breast engorgement?

According to the client's subjective data of a hot, hard, sore spot "roughly the size of a lemon on her left
breast," the nurse suspects mastitis. A sensitive, firm lump in the breast could be one of the first
indications of mastitis. A warm, red lump in the breast is one of the warning signs and symptoms of
mastitis. Swelling, tightness, and an increase in breast size occur with engorgement.

2. The woman says, "I think I may have an infection, so I've been bottle-feeding my baby so

she won't get sick". What should the nurse tell her?

The nurse will inform the woman that breast milk cannot be used to transmit a breast infection to the
infant. Babies can fight illnesses thanks to the antibacterial properties of breast milk. As the germs are
not dangerous to the infant, the mother can continue to breastfeed even if she has mastitis.

3. Given this woman's symptoms, do you think her temperature is elevated? Why?

She mentioned having chills, and infections are typically followed by a rise in body temperature, thus
yes, because she exhibited symptoms of infection. A fever or high temperature (38.3 degrees Celsius or
higher) and chills are additional signs of mastitis. Mastitis is an infection-related breast tissue
inflammation that can occur. The mother has fever and chills as a result of the inflammation, which
causes breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness.