Nursing Interventions for Mastitis

Nursing Interventions: Mastitis

  1. Give analgesics as indicated.
  2. Provide comfort measures such as a warm soaks.
  3. Use meticulous hand-washing technique and provide good skin care.
  4. Regularly measure the patient’s temperature and assess the effectiveness of antipyretic agents.
  5. Inspect the patient’s breast daily for signs of impaired skin integrity, such as cracks and fissures.
  6. Advise the patient to take antibiotics as ordered.
  7. Stress the need to take the entire prescribed amount even if symptoms improve in the meantime.
  8. Reassure the patient that breast-feeding during mastitis won’t harm her infant because the infant is the source of the infection.
  9. If only one breast is affected, instruct the patient to offer the infant his breast first to promote complete emptying and prevent clogged ducts.
  10. Suggest applying a warm, wet towel to the affected breast or taking a warm shower to relax and improve her ability to breast-fed.

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3 thoughts on “Nursing Interventions for Mastitis

  1. “Reassure the patient that breast-feeding during mastitis won’t harm her infant because the infant is the source of the infection.” The infant is NOT the SOURCE of mastitis. Milk stasis, engorgement, psychological stress, weaken immune system and immunological process, overproduction of milk, pressure on the breast, maternal malnutrition, missed or infrequent feedings, rapid weaning, poor attachment or nipple damage with the presence of Staphylococcus aureus or candida are all causes of mastitis. While the mother and baby can still safely nurse (as she is developing and passing along antibodies to the exposed pathogen via breastmilk) it is very rare that it is caused from the infant (with the infant as the carrier or root cause) and more often than not it’s caused by these other factors. Telling patients that their babies gave them mastitis furthers resentment to breastfeeding and their bond, while not addressing the true root of the problem and preventing further issues.

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