Maternity Nursing Q 149

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The nursing intervention to relieve pain in breast engorgement while the mother continues to breastfeed is

  

     A. Apply cold compress on the engorged breast.

     B. Apply warm compress on the engorged breast.

     C. Massage the breast.

     D. Apply analgesic ointment.

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Apply warm compress on the engorged breast

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Warm compress is applied if the purpose is to relieve pain but ensure lactation to continue. If the purpose is to relieve pain as well as suppress lactation, the compress applied is cold.

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Option A: Using cold packs on the affected breast can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Use warm packs just before a feed (for up to a few minutes) to help trigger the let-down reflex to help clear the blockage and may relieve pain.

Option C: Gentle massage by stroking toward the nipple while the baby feeds may help in draining the breast of too much milk.

Option D: The doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ointments may interfere with the infant’s breastfeeding.

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